Revised 2021
† ziphiiformadjective
Factsheet
What does the adjective ziphiiform mean?
There is one meaning in OED's entry for the adjective ziphiiform. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.
This word is now obsolete. It is only recorded in the 1890s.
Where does the adjective ziphiiform come from?
Earliest known use
1890s
The only known use of the adjective ziphiiform is in the 1890s.
OED's only evidence for ziphiiform is from 1891, in Century Dictionary.
ziphiiform is a borrowing from Latin, combined with an English element.
Etymons: Latin Ziphius, ‑iform comb. form.
Nearby entries
- zip-coding, n.1964–
- zip coon, n.1833–
- zip cuff, n.1995–
- zip cuff, v.1996–
- Zipf, n.1936–
- zip fastener, n.1925–
- zip fastening, n. & adj.1925–
- zip gun, n.1914–
- Ziph, n.1834–
- ziphian, n. & adj.1896
- ziphiiform, adj.1891
- ziphioid, adj. & n.1861–
- zipless, adj.1922–
- zip line, n.1970–
- zip line, v.1998–
- zipliner, n.1993–
- zip lining, n.?1983–
- zip-lipped, adj.1943–
- ziplock, n.1928–
- zipped, adj.1931–
- zippeite, n.1850–
Etymology
Summary
A borrowing from Latin, combined with an English element.
Meaning & use
Zoology. Obsolete. rare.
- 1891Designating a whale of the type represented by the genus Ziphius; = ziphioid adj.
- 1891
The ziphioid or ziphiiform cetaceans, among those known as bottlenoses and cow-fishes.
Century Dictionary at Ziphiinæ
the world animals mammals order Cetacea (whales) suborder Odontoceti [adjectives] belonging to family Ziphiidae- ziphioid1861–Of or relating to the genus Ziphius or family Ziphiidae of beaked and bottlenose whales; belonging to or having the characteristics of this genus…
- ziphiiform1891Designating a whale of the type represented by the genus Ziphius; = ziphioid, adj.
- ziphian1896Belonging to or having the characteristics of the whale family Ziphiidae; = ziphioid, adj.