Proteroglypha

plural noun

Protero·​glypha
: a group of venomous snakes comprising forms that have in the front of the upper jaw and preceding the ordinary teeth permanently erect fangs with an open or a nearly closed groove associated with a venom gland and including the families Elapidae and Hydrophidae widely distributed in the warmer parts of the world compare opisthoglypha
proteroglyphic
¦⸗⸗⸗¦glifik
adjective
proteroglyphous
-fəs
adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from proter- + -glypha (from Greek glyphē carved work); from the grooved fangs

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Dictionary Entries Near Proteroglypha

Cite this Entry

“Proteroglypha.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Proteroglypha. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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