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Pleurodira

plural noun
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Pleu·​ro·​di·​ra | \ ˌplu̇rəˈdīrə \

Definition of Pleurodira

: an extensive group of freshwater turtles in which the neck cannot be retracted, but is bent laterally beneath the front of the carapace — compare matamata

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Other Words from Pleurodira

pleurodiran \ ¦⸗⸗¦dīrən \ adjective or noun
pleurodire \ ˈ⸗⸗ˌdī(ə)r \ adjective or noun

History and Etymology for Pleurodira

New Latin, from pleur- + -dira (from Greek derē, deirē neck)

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Cite this Entry

“Pleurodira.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Pleurodira. Accessed 24 Jul. 2021.

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