sb. pl. Zool. [mod. L., prop. adj. plur. masc. (sc. pisces), f. Gr. ἀκανθο- thorn + πτερύγι-ον a fin, dimin. of πτέρυξ a wing.] An order of Fishes, forming the first group of the Osseous sub-division, distinguished by having hard and spiny rays in the dorsal fins, as in the common perch and stickleback; spiny-finned fishes.
1833. Pen. Cycl. [See next.]
1847. Carpenter, Zool., II. § 551. The Acanthopterygii cannot be easily subdivided, except into families.
