pleurodont

[ ploor-uh-dont ]

adjective

1. fused or attached to the inner edge of the jaw, as a tooth.
2. having teeth so fused or attached, as certain lizards.

noun

1. a pleurodont animal.

pleurodont

/ ˈplʊərəʊˌdɒnt /

adjective

1. (of the teeth of some reptiles) having no roots and being fused by their lateral sides only to the inner surface of the jawbone See also acrodont
2. having pleurodont teeth

   pleurodont lizards

noun

1. an animal having pleurodont teeth

Word History and Origins

Origin of pleurodont¹

First recorded in 1830–40; pleur- + -odont

Example Sentences

These teeth are pleurodont, that is, are ankylosed by their bases and outer sides to the margin of the jaw.

From Project Gutenberg

In their general structure the Iguanidae closely resemble the Agamidae, from which they differ mainly by the pleurodont dentition.

From Project Gutenberg

Pleurodont lizards with well-developed limbs; without temporal bony arches; postthoracic ribs united across the abdomen.

From Project Gutenberg

Trogonophis, Pachycalamus and Agamodon of Africa are all acrodont; the other genera are pleurodont.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet pleurodont lizards, strange to say, are found in Madagascar.

From Project Gutenberg