[i-las-muh-brangk, i-laz-] 
| 1. | belonging or pertaining to the Elasmobranchii, the subclass of cartilaginous fishes comprising the sharks and rays. |
| 2. | an elasmobranch fish. |
| e·las·mo·branch (ĭ-lāz'mə-brāngk') n. Any of numerous fishes of the class Chondrichthyes, characterized by a cartilaginous skeleton and placoid scales and including the sharks, rays, and skates. adj. Of or belonging to the class Chondrichthyes. [From New Latin Elasmobranchiī, former subclass name : Greek elasmos, metal beaten out (from elaunein, elas-, to beat) + Latin branchia, gill; see branchia.] |
| elasmobranch (ĭ-lāz'mə-brāngk') Pronunciation Key
Any of numerous cartilaginous fishes of the subclass Elasmobranchii, having five to seven gill slits on each side, dermal denticles for scales, and a small respiratory opening (spiracle) behind each eye. The pectoral fins of elasmobranchs are often greatly enlarged. Elasmobranchs include the sharks, rays, and skates. |
məˌbræŋk