: any of a subclass (Ammonoidea) of extinct cephalopods especially abundant in the Mesozoic age that had flat spiral shells with the interior divided by septa into chambers
: a member of a Semitic people who in Old Testament times lived east of the Jordan between the Jabbok and the Arnon
Ammoniteadjective
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Noun
The site's paleontological importance is underscored by the presence of fossils found in the sedimentary layers, including ammonites, marine reptiles and microorganisms, all of which provide critical insight into life before and after the extinction event.—Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 Most commonly seen in marine fossils, such as ammonites or trilobites, pyritization can produce highly detailed, metallic-looking fossils that are both scientifically valuable and visually striking.—Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024 The exhibition achieves that goal with a thoughtful and heady combination of nearly 200 scientific and literary publications; artworks; and loans, including ammonites, trilobites and a cast of an ichthyosaurus skull.—Anne Wallentine, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Oct. 2024 Other mosasaur species preferred to dine on ammonites.—Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for ammonite
Word History
Etymology
Noun (1)
New Latin ammonites, from Latin cornu Ammonis, literally, horn of Ammon
Noun (2)
Late Latin Ammonites, from Hebrew ʽAmmōn Ammon (son of Lot), descendant of Ammon
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