Epipteric

/ˌɛpɪpˈtɛrɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or describing a bone or structure that overlies the wing area of an animal's skeleton.

Etymology

From Greek 'epi' (upon) + 'pteron' (wing) + '-ic' (relating to). An anatomical descriptor used primarily in paleontology and comparative biology.

Kelly Says

Paleontologists studying dinosaur fossils use this term to identify protective bones that sat right over where wings or wing-like structures were attached!

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