theriodontia

Theriodontia

The`ri*o*don"ti*a\, n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. ? (dim. of ? a beast) + ?, ?, a tooth.] (Paleon.) An extinct order of reptiles found in the Permian and Triassic formations in South Africa. In some respects they resembled carnivorous mammals. Called also Theromorpha.

Note: They had biconcave vertebr[ae], ambulatory limbs, and a well-developed pelvis and shoulder girdle. Some of the species had large maxillary teeth. The head somewhat resembled that of a turtle. The Dicynodont is one of the best-known examples. See Dicynodont.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Theriodontia is always a great word to know.
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a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison.
a chattering or flighty, light-headed person.
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