1. a group of cartilaginous fish including sharks, rays, and skates that have skeletons made of cartilage rather than bone
Usage: scientific; zoological

Examples

• Elasmobranchs are ancient fish that have survived for millions of years.
• The marine biology class studied various elasmobranchs including great white sharks and stingrays.
• Unlike bony fish, elasmobranchs have skeletons made entirely of cartilage.
• Many elasmobranchs are apex predators in ocean ecosystems.
• The aquarium’s elasmobranch exhibit featured several species of rays.
• Scientists are studying how elasmobranchs detect electrical fields from other animals.