An extinct family of large, pig-like or hippopotamus-like mammals from the Tertiary period, now recognized as artiodactyls (even-toed ungulates).
From 'anthracothere' (from Greek 'anthracis,' charcoal, referring to dark fossils, plus 'theria,' beasts) plus the suffix '-idae' (family designation in taxonomy). Named in the 19th century when these fossils were discovered in coal deposits.
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