fin (1), fyn, fine

[Fr. fin, from Lat. finis; final which is to be succeeded by no other; a reason IMG:content-1635.png:[blocks in formation] 1. Comp. Anat . ( pl .): The organs by which locomotion is effected in a fish. As a rule they consist of a membrane supported by rays. Of these organs the two pectoral fins, so called from being situated on the breast, where they are just behind the branchial aperture, are modifications of the anterior limbs in other vertebrata. The ventral fins, so called from being, as a rule, situated on the belly, correspond to the hind limbs in other vertebrata. Often there are also one or more dorsal fins on the back, two anal fins near the anus, while the tail is technic. ally called the caudal fin. It corresponds to the tail in other mammals. As shown by Aga iz and Owen, the embryonic character in recent fins existed through all the lifetime of the Old Red Sandstone Fishes. The tern: fin is often applied also to the paddles of a whale. 2. Carp.: A tongue on the edge of a board. 3. Comm.: A blade of whalebone. 4. Mach .: A slip inserted longitudinally into a shaft or arbor, and left projecting so as to form a guide for an object which may slip thereon, but not rotate; a spline or feather. 5. Molding : A mark or ridge left in casting at the junction of the parts of the mold. final-decree, s. Law : A conclusive determination or sentence of a court, as distinguished from an interlocutory decree. [INTERLOCUTORY.]