Dinichthyid

/dɪˈnɪkθiɪd/ noun

Definition

A member of an extinct family of armored fish from prehistoric seas, characterized by bony plates.

Etymology

From scientific Latin, combining Greek 'dini-' (relating to Dinichthys, a genus) and '-id' (family suffix). Named after Dinichthys, an extinct fish genus.

Kelly Says

Paleontologists name extinct creatures using Greek and Latin components—'dinichthyid' is a scientific genealogy recorded in the word itself, like a word that carries the entire family tree.

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