Dolphin

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈdÉ’lfɪn/
• GenAm IPA: /ˈdÉ‘lfɪn/

Middle English dolfin, from Old French daulphin, dalphin, daufin, from Latin delphīnus, from Ancient Greek δελφίς (delphis), from δελφύς (delphus) "womb".

Full definition of dolphin

Noun

1. A carnivorous aquatic mammal inhabiting mostly in the shallower seas of the continental shelves, famed for its intelligence and occasional willingness to approach humans.
2. A fish, the mahi-mahi or dorado, Coryphaena hippurus, with a dorsal fin that runs the length of the body, also known for iridescent coloration.
3. The dauphin, eldest son of the kings of France.
4. (historical) A mass of iron or lead hung from the yardarm, in readiness to be dropped through the deck and the hull of an enemy's vessel to sink it.
5. (nautical) A kind of wreath or strap of plaited cordage.
6. (nautical) A spar or buoy held by an anchor and furnished with a ring to which ships may fasten their cables.
7. A mooring post on a wharf or beach.
8. A permanent fender around a heavy boat just below the gunwale.
9. (military, obsolete) One of the handles above the trunnions by which a gun was lifted.

Synonyms

• mereswine

Derived terms

From Fernando Álvarez de Toledo, 3rd Duke of Alba (duc d'Albe in French), who was the first to let build this type of structures in the Spanish Netherlands in the 16th century.

Noun

1. (nautical) A man-made semi submerged maritime structure, usually installed to provide a fixed structure for temporary mooring, to prevent ships from drifting to shallow water or to serve as base for navigational aids.