Decaudate

/dɪˈkɔːdeɪt/ adjective

Definition

Lacking a tail or tail-like appendage; having the tail removed or absent.

Etymology

From de- (without) + caudatus (tailed, from Latin cauda meaning tail). Biological and anatomical terminology describing tailless organisms or specimens.

Kelly Says

Decaudate creatures include humans and apes—we actually have tail bones (coccyxes) that prove our ancestors had tails before evolution made them vestigial and invisible.

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