fin-like
Like a flipper
Fin-like describes something resembling a fin in shape or function—flat, blade-shaped, and projecting from a surface.
The term applies to biological structures that aren't true fins but serve similar purposes: The salamander's fin-like tail helps it swim.
It also describes manufactured objects with that characteristic shape: fin-like cooling vents, fin-like stabilizers on a rocket.
Made smooth and efficient
- sleekSmooth and elegant
- aerodynamicMinimizing drag through shape
- glideMove with effortless continuity
- propulsionForce driving movement forward
thrust · steering · stabilizing · maneuvering · smooth · efficient · hydrofoil · aquaplaning
Scientific study of piscine life
- scalesPlates or weighing devices
- gillAquatic respiratory organ
- countershadingCamouflage via tonal gradient
- schoolingFormal education received
cetacean · pinniped · sea creature · shark · ray · dolphin · whale · seal
Fitting to new conditions
- morphologyStudy of structural forms
- convergentTending toward union
- homologousHaving shared evolutionary origin
- analogousComparable in certain respects
vestigial · mutation · variation · natural selection · phenotype · specialized · modified · elongated
pectoral
Of the chest
anal · flipper · appendage · limb · webbed · paddle · cartilaginous · membrane · spine · adipose
streamlined
Made smooth and efficient
- sleekSmooth and elegant
- aerodynamicMinimizing drag through shape
- glideMove with effortless continuity
propulsion · thrust · steering · stabilizing · maneuvering · smooth · efficient · hydrofoil · aquaplaning · undulating
ichthyology
Scientific study of piscine life
- scalesPlates or weighing devices
- gillAquatic respiratory organ
- countershadingCamouflage via tonal gradient
schooling · cetacean · pinniped · sea creature · shark · ray · dolphin · whale · seal · sea lion
adaptation
Fitting to new conditions
- morphologyStudy of structural forms
- convergentTending toward union
- homologousHaving shared evolutionary origin
analogous · vestigial · mutation · variation · natural selection · phenotype · specialized · modified · elongated · reduced