First Known Use: 14th century
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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
Rhymes with BALEEN
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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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