amphidetic

adjective

am·​phi·​det·​ic
: extending both before and behind the beak
used of the ligament of certain bivalves
compare opisthodetic, prosodetic

Word History

Etymology

Greek amphidetos tied all around (from amphidein to tie around, from amphi- + dein to tie) + English -ic

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amphidetic was in 1895

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near amphidetic

Cite this Entry

“Amphidetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amphidetic. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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