Definition of Porpoise. Meaning of Porpoise. Synonyms of Porpoise
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Definition of Porpoise
Porpoise Porpoise Por"poise, n. [OE. porpeys, OF. porpeis, literally,
hog fish, from L. porcus swine + piscis fish. See Pork, and
Fish.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) Any small cetacean of the genus Phoc[ae]na,
especially P. communis, or P. phoc[ae]na, of Europe,
and the closely allied American species (P. Americana).
The color is dusky or blackish above, paler beneath. They
are closely allied to the dolphins, but have a shorter
snout. Called also harbor porpoise, herring hag,
puffing pig, and snuffer.
2. (Zo["o]l.) A true dolphin (Delphinus); -- often so
called by sailors.
Skunk porpoise, or Bay porpoise (Zo["o]l.), a North
American porpoise (Lagenorhynchus acutus), larger than
the common species, and with broad stripes of white and
yellow on the sides. See Illustration in Appendix.
