Opisthocoela

plural noun

Opis·​tho·​coe·​la
: a suborder of Salientia comprising frogs and toads having short free ribs and vertebrae that are concave behind but not in front and including the families Discoglossidae and Pipidae
opisthocoelan
-lən
noun
plural -s
opisthocoelid
⸗¦⸗⸗¦⸗lə̇d
adjective or noun

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from neuter plural of opisthocoelus hollow behind

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

Dictionary Entries Near Opisthocoela

Cite this Entry

“Opisthocoela.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Opisthocoela. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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