arthrodire

[ahr-thruh-dahy^uhr]

noun

1. any of numerous fishes of the extinct order Arthrodira, widely distributed during the Devonian Period, having the anterior part of the body covered by a shield of bony plates.

Other Word Forms

• arthrodiran adjective
• arthrodirous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of arthrodire¹

< New Latin Arthrodira, equivalent to arthro- arthro- + -dira < Greek deirḗ neck, throat

Example Sentences

However, more complete arthrodire fossils reveal that these fish had squatter, cylindrical bodies.

From New York Times