Anchitherium

noun

An·​chi·​the·​ri·​um

ˌaŋkəˈthirēəm

: a genus of extinct Miocene and Pliocene perissodactyl mammals related to the modern horse from which they differ in dentition and especially in the limbs, having a complete ulna and fibula and three functional toes of which the middle one is much the largest

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from Greek anchí "near, close by" + New Latin -therium -therium; so named from the resemblance of its teeth to those of other ungulate genera (Rhinoceros, Anoplotherium, Palaeotherium)

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

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!