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.
These strange extinct animals were found in coal layers, and their dark fossil color led scientists to name them after charcoal—but DNA and fossil evidence later revealed they're actually distant cousins of whales and pigs!
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