perissodactyl

noun

pe·​ris·​so·​dac·​tyl pə-ˈri-sə-ˌdak-tᵊl How to pronounce perissodactyl (audio)
: any of an order (Perissodactyla) of nonruminant ungulate mammals (such as a horse, a tapir, or a rhinoceros) that usually have an odd number of toes, molar teeth with transverse ridges on the grinding surface, and the posterior premolars resembling true molars
perissodactyl adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Perissodactyla, from Greek perissos excessive, odd in number + daktylos finger, toe

First Known Use

circa 1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of perissodactyl was circa 1852

Dictionary Entries Near perissodactyl

Cite this Entry

“Perissodactyl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perissodactyl. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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