glyptodon

noun

glyp·​to·​don
ˈgliptəˌdän
1
capitalized : a genus of large extinct mammals (order Edentata) that are related to the armadillos, have a head shield, have the back covered by a large rigid carapace composed of small 5-sided or 6-sided bony plates covered with horny plates and the tail encircled by rings of bony plates, and are represented by numerous remains in the Pleistocene of South America and of southern North America
2
plural -s : glyptodont

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from glypt- + -odon

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 glyptodon

Cite this Entry

“Glyptodon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glyptodon. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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