eohippus

noun

eo·​hip·​pus ˌē-ō-ˈhi-pəs How to pronounce eohippus (audio)
: any of a genus (Hyracotherium synonym Eohippus) of very small primitive horses from the Lower Eocene having 4-toed forefeet and 3-toed hind feet

called also dawn horse

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from eo- + Greek hippos horse — more at equine

First Known Use

circa 1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of eohippus was circa 1879

Dictionary Entries Near eohippus

Cite this Entry

“Eohippus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eohippus. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

eohippus

noun
eo·​hip·​pus ˌē-ō-ˈhip-əs How to pronounce eohippus (audio)
: any of a genus of small primitive horses from the Eocene epoch of the western U.S. and Europe with four toes on each front leg and three toes on each rear leg
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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