Dictionary

baleen

noun ba·leen \bə-ˈlēn, ˈbā-ˌlēn\

Definition of BALEEN

:  a horny keratinous substance found in two rows of transverse plates which hang down from the upper jaws of baleen whales
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Origin of BALEEN

Middle English baleine whale, baleen, from Latin balaena whale; akin to Greek phallaina whale
First Known Use: 14th century
BALEEN Defined for Kids

baleen

noun ba·leen \bə-ˈlēn\

Definition of BALEEN for Kids

:  a tough material that hangs down from the upper jaw of whales without teeth and is used by the whale to filter small ocean animals out of seawater

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