Didelphoid

/daɪˈdɛlfɔɪd/ adjective

Definition

Resembling or having characteristics similar to didelphids; didelph-like.

Etymology

From 'didelph' plus the suffix '-oid' (from Greek 'eidos,' meaning 'form' or 'appearance'), which indicates resemblance or similarity without strict taxonomic classification.

Kelly Says

The '-oid' suffix is a scientist's way of saying 'kind of like'—'humanoid' creatures look human but aren't human, 'didelphoid' animals resemble didelphids but might not be classified as such—it's scientific fence-sitting!

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