Definition of "cetacean" in English

adjective

1. Pertaining to the zoologic infraorder Cetacea, or associated with species falling under that taxonomic hierarchy.

   • The poached blubber was definitely cetacean in origin, but the particular species could not be identified.

2. (by extension, sometimes figurative) Resembling or relating to large aquatic mammals.

   • The obese woman, ungainly on land, moved with a kind of cetacean grace in the water.

noun

1. An animal belonging to the infraorder Cetacea, including dolphins, porpoises, and whales.

   • The tour promised spiritual experiences with humpback whales and other cetaceans, but all we saw were seagulls and a dead sea otter.