cetacean

Meanings

1. Pertaining to the zoologic infraorder Cetacea, or associated with species falling under that taxonomic hierarchy.
2. Resembling or relating to large aquatic mammals.

1. A marine mammal belonging to the infraorder Cetacea, including dolphins, porpoises, and whales, characterized by a streamlined body, one or two blowholes, tail flukes, and fin-like forelimbs without hind limbs.

Etymology

From translingual Cetacea, from Latin cētus (“whale”), + -an.