raja (1), raia (J, 1 as y)

[Lat.raia=a flatfish, a skate.] 1. Ichthy.: Ray; the typical genus of the family Rajidæ (q. v.). Two dorsal fins on the tail without spine; caudal fin absent or rudimentary; ventrals divided by a deep notch; pectorals not extending to extremity of snout. Nasal valves separated in the middle; teeth small, obtuse, or pointed. Chiefly from temperate seas, more numerous in the northern than in the southern hemisphere. All are eatable, and the majority are sent to market. 2. Palæont.: Dermal spines of Raja antiqua , allied to R. clavata , are abundant in the Crag deposits of Norfolk and Suffolk. Ethe ridge puts the species at three. ra-jah, ra-Ja (2), subst. [Sansc.rájan (in comp. rája )=a king: allied to Lat. rex =a king.] A Hindu king or chief.