Caenagnathiformes

plural noun

Cae·​nag·​nath·​i·​for·​mes
¦sēˌnagˌnathəˈfȯrˌmēz,
¦kīˌn-
: an order of Canadian Cretaceous birds (Neognathae) known from a single immense jaw and believed to be related to the ostriches though in some respects the jaw resembles that of a toothless dinosaur

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from caen- + agnath- (from a- a- entry 2 + Greek gnathos jaw) + -iformes

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Caenagnathiformes was in 1940

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Dictionary Entries Near Caenagnathiformes

Cite this Entry

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

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