'Remora brachyptera' definitions:
Definition of 'Remora brachyptera'
From: GCIDE
- Swordfish \Sword"fish`\, n.
- 1. (Zool.) (a) A very large oceanic fish (Xiphias gladius), the only representative of the family Xiphiidae. It is highly valued as a food fish. The bones of the upper jaw are consolidated, and form a long, rigid, swordlike beak; the dorsal fin is high and without distinct spines; the ventral fins are absent. The adult is destitute of teeth. It becomes sixteen feet or more long. (b) The gar pike. (c) The cutlass fish. [1913 Webster]
- 2. (Astron.) A southern constellation. See Dorado, 1. [1913 Webster]
- Swordfish sucker (Zool.), a remora (Remora brachyptera) which attaches itself to the swordfish. [1913 Webster]
Definition of 'Remora brachyptera'
From: GCIDE
- Remora \Rem"o*ra\ (r?m"?*r?), n. [L.: cf. F. r['e]mora.] [1913 Webster]
- 1. Delay; obstacle; hindrance. [Obs.] --Milton. [1913 Webster]
- 2. (Zool.) Any one of several species of fishes belonging to Echeneis, Remora, and allied genera. Called also sucking fish. [1913 Webster]
- Note: The anterior dorsal fin is converted into a large sucking disk, having two transverse rows of lamellae, situated on the top of the head. They adhere firmly to sharks and other large fishes and to vessels by this curious sucker, letting go at will. The pegador, or remora of sharks (Echeneis naucrates), and the swordfish remora (Remora brachyptera), are common American species. [1913 Webster]
- 3. (Surg.) An instrument formerly in use, intended to retain parts in their places. --Dunglison. [1913 Webster]