arthrodire

[ ahr-thruh-dahyuhr ]

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 Words From

• ar·thro·di·ran [ahr-thr, uh, -, dahy, -r, uh, n], arthro·dirous 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