Rhynchocephalia

plural noun

Rhyn·cho·ce·pha·lia

ˌriŋ(ˌ)kōsə̇ˈfālyə,

-ālēə

: an order of Reptilia that comprises forms resembling lizards but having biconcave vertebrae, immovable quadrate bones, and other peculiar osteological characters and that includes Sphenodon and numerous fossil genera compare tuatara

rhynchocephalian

¦⸗(ˌ)⸗⸗¦fālyən

-lēən

adjective or noun

rhynchocephalic

-¦falik

adjective

rhynchocephalous

¦⸗(ˌ)⸗¦sefələs

adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from rhynch- + cephal- + -ia

Cite this Entry

Style

“Rhynchocephalia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Rhynchocephalia. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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