Dasypeltidae

plural noun

Das·​y·​pel·​ti·​dae

ˌdasəˈpeltəˌdē

: an African family of egg-eating snakes containing a single species (Dasypeltis scaber) having the hypapophyses of the cervical vertebra extending into the esophagus where they form a rasp used in breaking eggshells see elachistodontidae

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Dasypeltis, type genus (from dasy- + Greek peltē small shield) + -idae

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now