Moeritherium

noun

Moeri·​the·​ri·​um

: a genus of Upper Eocene and Oligocene northern African mammals (order Proboscidea) that are about as large as tapirs and have a short proboscis and mastodont teeth including enlarged second incisors which are considered precursors of the tusks of later related forms (as mastodons and elephants)

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Lake Moeris, ancient lake in Faiyûm province, northern Upper Egypt where remains of the genus were found + New Latin -therium

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