arthrodire

[ahr-thruh-dahyuh r]

noun

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.

Origin of arthrodire

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

Related formsar·thro·di·ran

[ahr-thruh-dahy-ruh n] /ˌɑr θrəˈdaɪ rən/, ar·thro·di·rous, adjective