Megatherium

noun

Mega·​the·​ri·​um
: a genus (the type of the family Megatheriidae) of ground sloths found in the Pliocene and Pleistocene of America that are often of gigantic size and are related to the sloths and anteaters, the skull and dentition resembling those of the former and the vertebrae those of the latter

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from mega- + -therium

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Cite this Entry

“Megatherium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Megatherium. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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