Porpoise Fin

Porpoise

Porpoises are small dolphin-like cetaceans classified under the family Phocoenidae. Although similar in appearance to dolphins, they are more closely related to narwhals and belugas. There are eight extant species of porpoise, all among the smallest of the toothed whales. Porpoises are distinguished from dolphins by their flattened, spade-shaped teeth distinct from the conical teeth of dolphins, and lack of a pronounced beak, although some dolphins also lack a pronounced beak. Porpoises, and other cetaceans, belong to the clade Cetartiodactyla with even-toed ungulates.

Fin

A fin is a thin appendage or component attached to a larger body or structure. Fins typically function as foils that produce lift or thrust, or provide the ability to steer or stabilize motion while traveling in water, air, or other fluids. Fins are also used to increase surface areas for heat transfer purposes, or simply as ornamentation.

porpoise

Noun

1. A small cetacean of the family Phocoenidae, related to dolphins and whales.
2. Any small dolphin.

Verb

1. Said of an air-breathing aquatic animal such as a porpoise or penguin: To repeatedly jump out of the water to take a breath and dive back in a continuous motion.
2. Said of an aircraft: to make a series of plunges when taking off or landing; or of a watercraft: to successively plunge up and down in the water.

fin

Symbol

1. ISO 639-2 & ISO 639-3 language code for Finnish.

Noun

1. One of the appendages of a fish, used to propel itself and to manoeuvre/maneuver.
2. A similar appendage of a cetacean or other marine animal.