therian

noun

the·​ri·​an ˈthir-ē-ən How to pronounce therian (audio)
: any of a subclass (Theria) of mammals comprising the marsupials and the placental mammals
therian adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Theria, from Greek thēria, plural of therion wild animal — more at treacle

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of therian was in 1962

Dictionary Entries Near therian

Cite this Entry

“Therian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/therian. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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