Anoplotherium

/ˌænɒpləˈθɪəriəm/ noun

Definition

A genus of extinct small even-toed hoofed mammals from the Eocene epoch, about the size of a fox, with complete tooth sets but no horns or tusks.

Etymology

The genus name combining 'an-' (without) + 'hopla' (weapons) + 'ther' (beast), formally established by naturalist George Cuvier in 1804 based on French fossil specimens.

Kelly Says

Cuvier's description of Anoplotherium was revolutionary—he reconstructed the entire animal from scattered bones, proving you could read an animal's life story from fossils, which basically invented modern paleontology.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.