therian

American  

[theer-ee-uhn] / ˈθɪər i ən /

adjective

1. (in some classification systems) belonging or pertaining to the group Theria, comprising the marsupial and placental mammals and their extinct ancestors.

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noun

1. a therian animal.

Etymology

Origin of therian

< New Latin Theri ( a ) name of the group (< Greek thēría, plural of thēríon wild beast) + -an

Example Sentences

These groups are divided into two clades: the eutherians and marsupials comprise the clade of therian mammals, and monotremes form their sister clade.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

The eutherians, or placental mammals, and the marsupials collectively are called therian mammals, whereas monotremes are called metatherians.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013