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Definition of kitefin shark

kitefin shark

Plural:kitefin sharks
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kitefin shark Lexical Profile

• noun

1

A moderately sized, deep-water species of dogfish shark found sporadically in oceans worldwide, distinguished by its short blunt snout, thick fringed lips, and notable bioluminescence, making it one of the largest known glowing vertebrates.

Example

"During the deep-sea expedition off the coast of New Zealand, researchers were amazed to capture footage of a bioluminescent kitefin shark hunting in the dark."

Word Origin & Etymology

The common name derives from the distinctive, roughly kite-like shape of its dorsal fins, appended to the general term 'shark'.

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Kitefin shark. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/kitefin shark
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