sphenodon

[ sfee-nuh-don, sfen-uh- ]

noun

1. tuatara.

sphenodon

/ ˈsfiːnəˌdɒn /

noun

1. the technical name for the tuatara

Word History and Origins

Origin of sphenodon¹

1875–80; < New Latin: genus name (originally Sphaenodon ), equivalent to Greek sphēn- sphen- + -odōn -toothed ( -odont )

Word History and Origins

Origin of sphenodon¹

C19: from Greek sphēn a wedge + odōn a tooth

Example Sentences

This order includes the living Sphenodon (Hatteria) and various extinct forms.

From Project Gutenberg

The bone of the jaws in Sphenodon is so hard that when the teeth get worn away, it can act as a substitute.

From Project Gutenberg

The humerus is generally without distinct condyles, but they are well developed in the Theromorpha, the Lacertilia and Sphenodon.

From Project Gutenberg

In the young Sphenodon the vomers bear teeth, as they do also in Proterosaurus.

From Project Gutenberg

Anyhow, Sphenodon is the reptile which stands nearest to the main stem of our ancestry.

From Project Gutenberg