metagnathous

[ muh-tag-nuh-thuhs ]

adjective

1. Ornithology. having the tips of the mandibles crossed, as the crossbills.
2. Entomology. having biting mouthparts in the larval stage and sucking mouthparts in the adult stage.

metagnathous

/ mɪˈtæɡnəθəs /

adjective

1. (of the beaks of birds such as the crossbill) having crossed tips

Derived Forms

• meˈtagnaˌthism, noun

Other Words From

• me·tagna·thism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of metagnathous¹

First recorded in 1870–75; meta- + -gnathous

Word History and Origins

Origin of metagnathous¹

C19: from meta- + -gnathous