Fins
/fɪnz/
Definitions
2 meaningsA flattened appendage on a fish or other aquatic animal, used for steering, balance, or propulsion.
/fɪnz/
A projecting appendage used for steering or balancing in water.
The shark's dorsal fin cut through the water.
💡 Simply: Fins are like paddles that fish and other animals use in water to move around and stay balanced. Imagine yourself with flippers—that's what fins are for!
👶 For kids: Fins are like the arms and legs that fish have to help them swim in the water.
More Examples
Dolphins use their pectoral fins to steer.
How It's Used
"Fish use fins to propel themselves through the water."
"The swimmer wore flippers, which are a type of fin, to increase their speed."
A stabilizing or directional surface, often in the form of a wing, on a vehicle like an aircraft or missile.
/fɪnz/
An aerodynamic surface on an aircraft or other vehicle.
The missile's fins were damaged during the test.
💡 Simply: Like a plane's stabilizers—imagine the fins on a plane helping to keep it steady and move the right way. They're like the fins on a fish, but for flying!
👶 For kids: Fins on a plane help it fly straight, like how fins on a fish help it swim straight.
More Examples
The design of the plane's fins was crucial for its aerodynamics.
How It's Used
"The aircraft's vertical fins provide stability during flight."
Idioms & expressions
to fin
To move in a way that resembles the use of fins, such as gliding effortlessly through water.
"The diver finned through the coral reef, marveling at the colorful fish."
From Old English *finn* (singular finn), related to Old Norse *finnr*. The word has been used since the early Middle English period.
The term 'fins' has been used for aquatic appendages since at least the early 14th century.
Memory tip
Think of the fins on a fish helping it navigate the water, like wings for swimming.
Word Origin
"a pointed projection, or a pointed object"