Diatryma

noun

Di·​a·​try·​ma
ˌdīə‧ˈtrīmə
: a genus of large flightless Eocene birds from Wyoming and New Mexico having much reduced wings, large head and powerful beak, and long massive legs and constituting with extinct related forms (as Gastornis) an order of birds probably most nearly related to the surviving cariamas and bustards

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from dia- + Greek tryma, trymē hole

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!

Dictionary Entries Near Diatryma

Cite this Entry

“Diatryma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Diatryma. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!