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

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Caenagnathiformes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Caenagnathiformes. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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