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Definition of mako shark

mako shark

Plural:mako sharks
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mako shark Lexical Profile

• noun

1

A large, exceptionally fast-swimming pelagic shark of the genus Isurus (such as the shortfin mako), characterized by a highly streamlined body, pointed snout, and metallic blue coloration, inhabiting temperate and tropical oceans worldwide.

Example

"Marine biologists tagged the shortfin mako shark to study its migration patterns and impressive swimming speeds across the open ocean."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for mako shark

• Nearby Words

makassar
makeup
maki
mako shark
makrut
malabar spinach
malabo

Word Origin & Etymology

The word 'mako' is derived from the Māori language, meaning 'shark' or 'shark tooth', and was combined with the English word 'shark' by European settlers and scientists to describe the fast-swimming pelagic predators of the genus Isurus.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mako shark. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mako shark
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