Definition

A flexible, comb-like structure made of keratin that hangs from the upper jaws of certain whales, used for filtering food from water.

Example

The baleen whale uses its baleen to filter small fish and plankton from the ocean.

Conversation

Did you know that some whales have baleen instead of teeth?

Really? I had no idea! How does that work?

They use baleen to filter food from the water, like tiny shrimp.

That’s so cool! I love learning about marine life.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Baleen comes from the Old English word 'bale' (meaning a type of whale) and is related to the Old Norse 'bali' (meaning to roar or bellow). The word refers to the filter-feeding system found in some whales, which resembles a comb-like structure used to strain food from water.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old English word for whale ('bale') and remember that baleen is the structure that helps these large creatures filter their food from the water.

Visually Confused Words