hypognathous

adjective

hy·​pog·​na·​thous

(ˈ)hī¦pägnəthəs

1

: having the lower jaw longer than the upper

2

: having the mouthparts ventrally directed

—used especially of certain insects with biting mouthparts directed downward and often somewhat backward compare prognathous

Word History

Etymology

hypo- + -gnathous

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