Lepidostei

plural noun

Lep·​i·​dos·​tei

ˌlepəˈdästēˌī

in some classifications

: a group or order of ganoid fishes that includes the Lepisosteidae and several related extinct families now usually divided between the orders Cycloganoidei, Halecostomi, and Ginglymodi and that has numerous representatives in the Mesozoic and constitutes the dominant type of fish in the Jurassic

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from lepid- + -ostei (plural of -osteus)

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!