Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

Opisthoglypha

plural noun
Save Word
Op·​is·​thog·​ly·​pha | \ ˌäpəsˈthägləfə, əˌpisthəˈglifə \

Definition of Opisthoglypha

: a group of snakes having one or a few posterior maxillary teeth grooved to conduct venom from the enlarged upper labial glands and comprising the families Homalopsidae, Elachistodontidae and Boigidae — compare proteroglypha

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 Opisthoglypha

New Latin, neuter plural of opisthoglyphus, carved behind, from opisth- + Greek -glyphos, from glyphein to carve

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about Opisthoglypha

Statistics for Opisthoglypha

Cite this Entry

“Opisthoglypha.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Opisthoglypha. Accessed 16 Jan. 2021.

Comments on Opisthoglypha

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

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

effusive

Listen to the pronunciation of effusive

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Words of Snow and Ice Quiz

  • image1037863653
  • Which of the following refers to thin, bending ice, or to the act of running over such ice?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Typeshift

Anagram puzzles meet word search.

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