cryptozoa

plural noun

cryp·​to·​zoa
ˌkriptəˈzōə
1
: the animals that live a cryptobiotic life among the organic debris of a forest floor
2
: structures in Precambrian rocks thought to be the remains of primitive life compare cryptozoon

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from crypt- + -zoa

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cryptozoa was in 1911

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Dictionary Entries Near cryptozoa

cryptovolcanic

cryptozoa

cryptozoic

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Cryptozoa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cryptozoa. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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