'Phocaena communis' definitions:

Definition of 'Phocaena communis'

From: GCIDE
  • Porpoise \Por"poise\, n. [OE. porpeys, OF. porpeis, literally, hog fish, from L. porcus swine + piscis fish. See Pork, and Fish.]
  • 1. (Zool.) Any small cetacean of the genus Phoc[ae]na, especially Phoc[ae]na communis, or {Phoc[ae]na phoc[ae]na}, of Europe, and the closely allied American species (Phoc[ae]na 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. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. (Zool.) A true dolphin (Delphinus); -- often so called by sailors. [1913 Webster]
  • Skunk porpoise, or Bay porpoise (Zool.), 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. [1913 Webster]