Cleithral

/ˈkliːθrəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or having the characteristics of a cleithrum, which is a bone found in fish skulls.

Etymology

From cleithrum (a fish bone) plus -al suffix. From Greek kleithron (a bar or barrier), referring to a bone that forms a structural bar in the fish skull.

Kelly Says

The cleithrum is why fish skulls look so alien compared to human ones—it's a peculiar bone that connects the shoulder girdle to the skull, found in ray-finned fish but completely absent in mammals or birds.

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