Flosse

Flosse is a German noun meaning fin. It denotes a flexible, membranous appendage used by aquatic animals for propulsion, steering, and stabilization. In everyday language it can refer to any fin-like structure, including those on fish, marine mammals, and some amphibians.

In zoological terms, several compound words with Flosse specify different fins: Rückenflosse for the dorsal fin, Schwanzflosse for the tail or caudal fin, Brustflosse for the pectoral fin, Bauchflosse for the pelvic fin, and Afterflosse for the anal fin.

The plural Flossen is used when speaking of multiple fins on a single animal or on multiple animals. The word is not a proper noun.

In broader usage, Flosse may appear in descriptions of equipment or vehicles that include a fin-like projection for stability or steering, though the term is most commonly found in zoological contexts.

See also: Fin, Nageoire.