Ostariophysi

plural noun

Os·​tar·​i·​o·​phy·​si

-īˌsī

: a large order or other division of teleost fishes (as the characin, carp, catfish) having the anterior four vertebrae strongly modified and often grown together and supporting a chain of small bones which connect the air bladder with the ear

ostariophysial

⸗¦⸗⸗⸗¦fizēəl

adjective

ostariophysine

-fīˌsīn

adjective

ostariophysous

-fīsəs

adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from ostario- (from Greek ostarion small bone, diminutive of osteon bone) + -physi (from Greek physa bellows, bladder)

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