Astrapotheria

plural noun

As·​tra·​po·​the·​ria

: an order of extinct South American ungulates that may have diverged from primitive notoungulates in the Paleocene, flourished in the Oligocene and Miocene, and were distinguished by large size with marked disproportion between the powerful forequarters and feebly developed hindquarters, cowlike incisors accompanied by immense persistently growing canines and huge molars, and probably an elephantine proboscis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek astrapo- (from astrapē lightning) + New Latin -theria; akin to Greek aster-, astēr star

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Rhymes for Astrapotheria

• cafeteria
• arteria
• bacteria
• criteria
• diphtheria
• egeria
• listeria
• neisseria
• wisteria
• cyanobacteria
• mycobacteria