Anchitherium

noun

An·​chi·​the·​ri·​um
ˌaŋkəˈthirēəm
: a genus of extinct Miocene and Pliocene perissodactyl mammals related to the modern horse from which they differ in dentition and especially in the limbs, having a complete ulna and fibula and three functional toes of which the middle one is much the largest

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from Greek anchí "near, close by" + New Latin -therium -therium; so named from the resemblance of its teeth to those of other ungulate genera (Rhinoceros, Anoplotherium, Palaeotherium)

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Anchitherium was in 1847

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Cite this Entry

“Anchitherium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Anchitherium. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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