Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

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

There's more!

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!
Already a subscriber? Log in.

Origin and Etymology of dasypeltidae

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

Seen and Heard

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

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

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