Holostei

plural noun

Ho·​los·​tei

-ēˌī

in many classifications

: an order of ganoid fishes having a well-developed bony skeleton and approaching teleosts in structure now usually restricted to the gars (family Lepisosteidae) and various extinct genera (such as Lepidotes and Semionotus) but sometimes extended to include the bowfin and related fishes or made a superorder including the teleosts compare cycloganoidei , ginglymodi

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from hol- + -ostei (from Greek osteon bone)

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