rhynchocephalian

noun

rhyn·cho·ce·pha·lian ˌriŋ-kō-sə-ˈfāl-yən

: any of an order (Rhynchocephalia) of reptiles resembling lizards that includes the tuatara as the only living member

rhynchocephalian adjective

Examples of rhynchocephalian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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In fact, only one species of rhynchocephalian, Sphenodon punctatus, still survives today. —

Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 15 Sep. 2022

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Greek rhynchos beak, snout + kephalē head — more at cephalic

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of rhynchocephalian was in 1886

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Rhynchocephalian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rhynchocephalian. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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