carpet shark

noun

Definition of carpet shark

: any of an order (Orectolobiformes) of sharks of tropical and warm temperate oceans that have two dorsal fins without spines, barbels typically near the nostrils, and often intricately patterned mottled skin It is a carpet shark whose amazing camouflage makes it hard to spot, and its modus operandi is to lie motionless on the seabed waiting for prey to come its way. — David Gower, Daily Telegraph (London), 8 Jan. 2011

Note: Carpet sharks include nurse sharks, bamboo sharks, wobbegongs, and the whale shark.

First Known Use of carpet shark

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

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