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Cryptobranchidae

plural noun
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Cryp·​to·​bran·​chi·​dae | \ ˌkriptəˈbraŋkəˌdē \

Definition of Cryptobranchidae

: a family of large aquatic salamanders including the American hellbenders and the Asian giant salamanders, all distinguished by amphicoelous vertebrae, external fertilization, and the absence of eyelids and of lacrimal and septomaxillary bones and with Hynobiidae forming a suborder of Caudata comprising primitive salamanders with relatively generalized skeletons

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History and Etymology for Cryptobranchidae

New Latin, from Cryptobranchus, type genus + -idae

Learn More About Cryptobranchidae

Dictionary Entries Near Cryptobranchidae

cryptobranchid

Cryptobranchidae

Cryptobranchus

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Cite this Entry

“Cryptobranchidae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Cryptobranchidae. Accessed 25 Jun. 2022.

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