Rajiformes
/ˌrædʒɪˈfɔːrmiːz/noun
A taxonomic order of cartilaginous fishes that includes skates and many true rays.
Did you know?The name combines a Latinized genus name for rays with the taxonomic suffix -formes, meaning “having the form of,” turning anatomy into a scientific naming spell.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Latin
Latin
raia
“A ray, the flat cartilaginous fish”
18th Century
Latin
Raja
“A genus name used for rays and skates in zoological classification”
Classical Latin
Latin
forma
“Shape, form, or appearance”
19th Century
Neo-Latin
-iformes
“Having the form or shape of; a suffix used in biological classification”
19th Century
Scientific English
Rajiformes
“The order containing rays and skates, named for their ray-like form”
Modern English
English
Rajiformes
“A zoological order of batoid fishes, especially skates and true rays”