prototherian

[ proh-tuh-theer-ee-uhn ]

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the group Prototheria, comprising the monotremes.

noun

1. a prototherian animal.

prototherian

/ ˌprəʊtəʊˈθɪərɪən /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the Prototheria, a subclass of mammals that includes the monotremes

noun

1. any prototherian mammal; a monotreme

Word History and Origins

Origin of prototherian¹

1880–85; < New Latin Prototheri ( a ) (< Greek prōto- proto- + thēría, plural of thēríon beast) + -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of prototherian¹

C19: New Latin, from proto- + Greek theria wild animals