Acrodont

/ˈækroʊdɒnt/ adjective, noun

Definition

Describing teeth (or an animal with teeth) that are attached at the tip to the top of the jawbone rather than having roots in sockets.

Etymology

From Greek 'akron' (tip) + 'odous' (tooth). A paleontological and zoological term used since the 1800s to classify tooth attachment types in reptiles and ancient creatures.

Kelly Says

Acrodont teeth in lizards and some sharks reveal an evolutionary trade-off—they're easy to replace but not anchored well, making these animals perpetual tooth-shedders like a nightmare dentist's dream.

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