Proteroglypha

plural noun

Protero·​glypha
: a group of venomous snakes comprising forms that have in the front of the upper jaw and preceding the ordinary teeth permanently erect fangs with an open or a nearly closed groove associated with a venom gland and including the families Elapidae and Hydrophidae widely distributed in the warmer parts of the world compare opisthoglypha
proteroglyphic
¦⸗⸗⸗¦glifik
adjective
proteroglyphous
-fəs
adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from proter- + -glypha (from Greek glyphē carved work); from the grooved fangs

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Proteroglypha

Cite this Entry

“Proteroglypha.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Proteroglypha. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!