Meaning & use
pectoral fin
Either of the paired fins on the sides of a fish's body, just behind the head, used mainly for steering and balance.
See it in a sentence
The shark used its pectoral fins to glide smoothly and steadily through the water.
A fish's pectoral fins help it turn, brake, and stay stable while swimming.
A note on using this word
Pectoral fins are the evolutionary counterpart of forelimbs and take their name from 'pectoral,' meaning relating to the chest.
Words with a similar meaning
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