a. [ Cf. F. chondropterygien. ] Having a cartilaginous skeleton. -- n. One of the Chondropterygii. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. pl. [ NL., fr. Gr. &unr_; cartilage + &unr_;, &unr_;, wing, fin. ] (Zool.) A group of fishes, characterized by cartilaginous fins and skeleton. It includes both ganoids (sturgeons, etc.) and selachians (sharks), but is now often restricted to the latter. [ Written also Chondropterygia. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

imp. & p. p. of Drop, v. G. Eliot. [ 1913 Webster ]