Ancistroid

/ænˈsɪs.troɪd/ adjective

Definition

Resembling or shaped like a fishhook or hook; having a curved, hook-like form.

Etymology

From Greek 'ankistron' (fishhook) plus '-oid' (resembling or having the form of), creating an adjective describing hook-like shapes.

Kelly Says

The suffix '-oid' is science's way of saying 'like this but not exactly'—humanoid, asteroid, alkaloid. It lets scientists describe things that echo a shape without claiming they are that shape.

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