RIGHT WHALE Definition & Meaning

right whale

noun

any of several large whalebone whales of the genus Balaena, of circumpolar seas: the species B. glacialis is greatly reduced in numbers.

right whale

noun

any large whalebone whale of the family Balaenidae. They are grey or black, have a large head, and, in most, no dorsal fin, and are hunted as a source of whalebone and oil See also bowhead

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of right whale¹

First recorded in 1715–25; allegedly so called because it was the “right” whale to hunt, alluding to its relative buoyancy when killed, proximity to land, the value of its blubber, etc.

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of right whale¹

C19: perhaps so named because it was right for hunting

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The technology was developed initially for fisheries in the US and Canada where endangered North Atlantic right whales have died in entanglements.

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Southern right whales have lifespans that reach well past 100 years, and 10% may live past 130 years, according to our new research published in the journal Science Advances.

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An 1889 whaling travelogue recounts the sounds made by right whales and humpbacks note by note.

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One study of Southern right whales - that feed on krill, then migrate to the South African coast to give birth - showed that the animals are 20% thinner compared to 30 years ago.

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SAN JOSE, Calif. — In an extraordinary sighting, a critically endangered North Pacific right whale was spotted off the Marin County coast on Friday, thrilling scientists.

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