selenodont

[ si-lee-nuh-dont ]

adjective

1. having molar teeth with crowns formed of crescent-shaped cusps.

selenodont

/ sɪˈliːnəˌdɒnt /

adjective

1. (of the teeth of certain mammals) having crescent-shaped ridges on the crowns, as in deer

noun

1. a mammal with selenodont teeth

Other Words From

• se·leno·donty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of selenodont¹

First recorded in 1880–85; selen(o)- + -odont

Word History and Origins

Origin of selenodont¹

C19: from seleno- (moon-shaped) + -odont

Example Sentences

In the Pigs and their allies the crowns are bunodont, while in the more highly specialised Ruminants the crowns are selenodont.

From Project Gutenberg

It has, however, been shown that selenodont teeth always pass through an embryonic bunodont stage.

From Project Gutenberg

They have teeth which are not quite bunodont and not quite selenodont.

From Project Gutenberg

These teeth have been termed buno-selenodont or buno-lophodont.

From Project Gutenberg

While the molars have the selenodont character of other Pecora, the premolars are more adapted for cutting, with sharp edges.

From Project Gutenberg