† microsthenicadj.
Zoology. Obsolete. rare.
In J. D. Dana's terminology: of, relating to, or designating a placental mammal of a group characterized by relatively small size and lack of physical strength (see microsthene n.). Opposed to megasthenic adj.
ΚΠ
1863 J. D. Dana Man. Geol. iii. ii. 345 Bats among mammal..are of a small type or life-system, such as are styled microsthenic in the remarks on mammals.
1863 Amer. Jrnl. Sci. 86 9 A general structural characteristic may yet be detected corresponding to these megasthenic and microsthenic qualities.
1890 New Sydenham Soc. Lexicon Microsthenes..Microsthenic.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2001; most recently modified version published online June 2018).
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adj.1863