delphinapterus catodon

1 definition found

delphinapterus catodon - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Beluga \Be*lu"ga\ (b[-e]*l[=u]"g[.a]), n. [Russ. bieluga a sort
     of large sturgeon, prop. white fish, fr. bieluii white. The
     whale is now commonly called bieluka in Russian.]
     1. (Zool.) A cetacean allied to the dolphins.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: The northern beluga (Delphinapterus catodon) is the
           white whale and white fish of the whalers. It grows
           to be from twelve to eighteen feet long.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     2. the sturgeon (Huso huso) native to the Black Sea and
        Caspian Sea; -- also called hausen. It is valued for its
        roe, sold as caviar, and is also used for production of
        isinglass. See also sturgeon.
        [PJC]
  
     3. the caviar obtained from the beluga[2]; -- also called
        beluga caviar. The caviar of the beluga is considered
        the finest sort, larger and of a taste superior to that
        obtained from other sturgeon. See also sturgeon and
        caviar.
        [PJC]