Desmodont

/ˈdɛzmoʊˌdɒnt/ adjective

Definition

Describing fish or other animals whose teeth are firmly attached to the bones of their jaws through connective tissue rather than sockets.

Etymology

From Greek 'desmos' (bond) + 'odous' (tooth). Describes the type of tooth attachment found in certain fish species.

Kelly Says

Most fish have desmodont teeth—their teeth are basically glued on rather than rooted like ours, which is why sharks can endlessly replace their teeth!

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