n. 1. A small toothed whale (Delphinapterus leucas) chiefly of the Arctic Ocean, having a bulbous forehead and a white body when full-grown. Also called white whale. 2. a. A large white anadromous sturgeon (Huso huso) of the Black and Caspian Seas, valued for its roe. Also called beluga sturgeon, whitefish. b. Caviar made from the roe of this fish, having large grayish grains. [Russian belukha, white whale, and beluga, sturgeon : belyĭ, white; see bhel-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots + -uga, -ukha, augmentative suff.] |
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