A fish's fins are the flat objects which stick out of its body and help it to swim and keep its balance.
2. countable noun
A fin on something such as an aeroplane, rocket, or bomb is a flat part which sticks out and which is intended to help control its movement.
fin in British English1
(fɪn)
noun
1.
any of the firm appendages that are the organs of locomotion and balance in fishes and some other aquatic animals. Most fishes have paired and unpaired fins, the former corresponding to the limbs of higher vertebrates
2.
a part or appendage that resembles a fin
3.
a. British
a vertical surface to which the rudder is attached, usually placed at the rear of an aeroplane to give stability about the vertical axis
US name: vertical stabilizer
b.
a tail surface fixed to a rocket or missile to give stability
4. nautical
a fixed or adjustable blade projecting under water from the hull of a vessel to give it stability or control
5.
a projecting rib to dissipate heat from the surface of an engine cylinder, motor casing, or radiator
6. (often plural) another name for flipper (sense 2)
verbWord forms: fins, finning or finned
7. (transitive)
to provide with fins
8. (transitive)
to remove the fins from (a dead fish)
9. (intransitive)
(esp of a whale) to agitate the fins violently in the water
Derived forms
finless (ˈfinless)
adjective
Word origin
Old English finn; related to Middle Dutch vinne, Old Swedish fina, Latin pinna wing
fin in British English2
(fɪn)
noun
US slang
a five-dollar bill
Word origin
from Yiddish finf five, ultimately from Old High German funf, finf
Fin in British English
abbreviation for
1.
Finland
2.
Finnish
FIN in British English
abbreviation for
Finland (international car registration)
fin. in British English
abbreviation for
1.
finance
2.
financial
Fin in American English
1.
Finland
2.
Finnish
fin in American English1
(fɪn)
noun
1.
any of several winglike, membranous organs on the body of a fish, dolphin, etc., used in swimming, turning, and balancing
2.
anything like a fin in shape or use
; specif.,
a.
any narrow edge or ridge formed in manufacturing, as on a casting by metal forced through the halves of the mold
b.
any vertical airfoil, fixed or movable, whose chief function is to give stability in flight
c.
a stabilizing or steering projection on boats or submarines
d. Slang
a hand or arm
verb transitiveWord forms: finned or ˈfinning
3.
to cut the fins from (a fish)
verb intransitive
4.
to move the fins, esp. in a violent way
Word origin
ME < OE finn, akin to Du vin, Ger finne < IE *(s)pina-, point < base *(s)p(h)ei-, pointed stick > spit2, spike1
fin in American English2
(fɪn)
US
noun
Slang
a five-dollar bill
Word origin
shortened < W Yiddish finef, five (cf. E Yiddish finf) < MHG vinf < OHG fimf, five
fin in American English3
(fɛ̃)
French
noun
the end; finish; conclusion
Word origin
Fr
fin in American English4
1.
finance
2.
financial
3.
finished
fin in Chemical Engineering
(fɪn)
Word forms: (regular plural) fins
noun
(Chemical Engineering: Heat transfer)
A fin is a plate or other object which is attached to a surface in order to improve the flow of heat.
The tubes may be fitted with fins to increase the heat transfer surface.
The use of fins is recognized as an effective method of increasing the heat transfer from a surface.
A fin is a plate or other object which is attached to a surface in order to improve theflow of heat.
fin in Mechanical Engineering
(fɪn)
Word forms: (regular plural) fins
noun
(Mechanical engineering: Energy, thermodynamics and heat transfer)
A fin is a plate or other object which is attached to a surface in order to improve theflow of heat.
The tubes may be fitted with fins to increase the heat transfer surface.
The use of fins is recognized as an effective method of increasing the heat transfer from a surface.
A fin is a plate or other object which is attached to a surface in order to improve theflow of heat.
Examples of 'fin' in a sentence
fin
The funnyman had diners laughing so much they were choking on their yellow fin tuna steaks.
The Sun (2011)
The loss of the vertical fin would render any plane uncontrollable.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Remove all the fins using a scissors.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
If you feel really frisky you can stick a funky fin on the back.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
You could get 50 fin whales a year and have a good industry.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The couple then watched in amazement as the 6in fish moved his fins.
The Sun (2010)
The 80 million aircraft will be fitted with engine and fins before a proper flight next year.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
These occur because fins keep the toes pointed for long periods, placing unfamiliar stress on the leg muscles.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
It is not unusual for fin whales to be sighted off Cornwall but only rarely are they washed ashore.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The side profile is just as interesting, with a unique body shark fin that cuts into the window.
The Sun (2010)
By stopping these permits we will ensure that the wasteful practice that sees fins cut from sharks and the bodies left at sea does not happen.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
No sooner have they taken in the stranger than another strange occurrence takes place: a fin whale washes up on the shore.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Last time I saw a fin whale.
The Sun (2011)
The proposal to include fin whales is inflammatory,' he said.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
THE international trade in Atlantic blue fin tuna could be banned in a dramatic move to save the fish from extinction.
The Sun (2010)
Word lists with
fin
parts of an aircraft, parts of an aircraft, international car registration letters
In other languages
fin
British English: fin NOUN
A fish's fins are the flat objects which stick out of its body and help it to swim and keep its balance.