metatherian

[ met-uh-theer-ee-uhn ]

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the group Metatheria, comprising the marsupial mammals.

noun

1. a metatherian animal.

metatherian

/ ˌmɛtəˈθɪərɪən /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the Metatheria, a subclass of mammals comprising the marsupials

noun

1. any metatherian mammal; a marsupial

Word History and Origins

Origin of metatherian¹

1875–80; < New Latin Metatheri ( a ) name of the group (< Greek meta- meta- + thēría, plural of thēríon animal) + -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of metatherian¹

C19: from New Latin, from meta- + Greek thērion animal