Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Asaphus

noun
As·​a·​phus | \ ˈasəfəs\

Definition of Asaphus

: a genus of trilobites occurring abundantly in the Ordovician of northern Europe and having subequal cephala and pygidia

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!

History and Etymology for Asaphus

New Latin, irregular from Greek asaphēs indistinct, dim, from a- a- entry 2 + saphēs distinct, clear

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about Asaphus

Statistics for Asaphus

Look-up Popularity

Comments on Asaphus

What made you want to look up Asaphus? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

cumulate

to gather or build up little by little

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Homophone Quiz

  • three-bears-two-of-them-look-like-theyre-whispering-to-a-third-bear-who-looks-chuffed-to-be-the-center-of-attention
  • In order to judge how people felt, the senator's office hired a firm to take a ______.
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Syn City

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games