Basilosaurus

noun

Bas·​i·​lo·​sau·​rus

ˌbasəlōˈsȯrəs

: a genus (the type of the family Basilosauridae) of large slender-bodied Eocene whales that are found most abundantly in Alabamian and Floridian rocks and that have serrated posterior teeth with two roots see zeuglodontia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek basileus king + New Latin -o- + -saurus

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!