French word

nageoire

Pronunciation

IPA/naʒwaʁ/

Meaning

  • feminine nounfin

Example

Regarde la nageoire du poisson.

Look at the fish's fin.

Illustration for nageoire (fin)

More examples

On a aperçu une nageoire à la surface de l'eau.

We spotted a fin at the surface of the water.

Core concept

A movable flat flap on a fish or other aquatic animal that helps guide its body through water.

Common phrases

  • la nageoire du poisson

    the fish's fin

  • regarder la nageoire

    look at the fin

  • apercevoir une nageoire

    notice a fin

Similar words

queue: A long, narrow part extending from an animal's rear, used for steering or balance.
aile: A feathered or membranous body part used by birds or insects for flight.

Definition in French

Organe plat et flexible fixé au corps des poissons et de certains animaux aquatiques, utilisé pour contrôler la direction et l'équilibre pendant la nage.

Word origin

French built nageoire from nager and the suffix -oire; nager continues Latin natare, which means to swim.

Usage tips

  • French uses nageoire for an animal's fin, whereas a swimming or diving fin worn on the feet is usually une palme.

Other meanings

  • tail finnoun
  • pectoral finnoun

Word lists with this word