Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Dasypeltidae

plural noun
Das·​y·​pel·​ti·​dae | \ ˌdasəˈpeltəˌdē\

Definition of Dasypeltidae

: an African family of egg-eating snakes containing a single species (Dasypeltis scaber) having the hypapophyses of the cervical vertebra extending into the esophagus where they form a rasp used in breaking eggshells — see elachistodontidae

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 Dasypeltidae

New Latin, from Dasypeltis, type genus (from dasy- + Greek peltē small shield) + -idae

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about Dasypeltidae

Statistics for Dasypeltidae

Look-up Popularity

Comments on Dasypeltidae

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

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

intoxicate

Listen to the pronounciation of intoxicate

to affect and impair by alcohol or a drug

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Latin Quiz

  • roman forum
  • Which of the following months comes from a Latin word for “ten”?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

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