Perisphinctes

noun

Peri·​sphinc·​tes

ˌperəˈsfiŋ(k)(ˌ)tēz

: a genus (the type of the family Perisphinctidae) comprising discoidal ammonites having bifurcating ribs not interrupted on the ventral side and being characteristic of the Upper Jurassic

perisphinctoid

¦⸗⸗¦sfiŋ(k)ˌtȯid

adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from peri- + -sphinctes (from Greek sphinktos tightly bound, from sphingein to bind fast)

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!