Synapsida

plural noun

Syn·​ap·​si·​da

-psədə

: a subclass of Reptilia comprising extinct reptiles of the Pennsylvanian, Permian, and Triassic, having a single pair of lateral temporal openings in the skull, and usually held to be ancestral to the true mammals compare ictidosauria , therapsida

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from synapsis + -ida

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!