Ostariophysi
plural noun
Os·tar·i·o·phy·si
-īˌsī
: a large order or other division of teleost fishes (as the characin, carp, catfish) having the anterior four vertebrae strongly modified and often grown together and supporting a chain of small bones which connect the air bladder with the ear
ostariophysial adjective
⸗¦⸗⸗⸗¦fizēəl
ostariophysine adjective
-fīˌsīn
ostariophysous adjective
-fīsəs
Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from ostario- (from Greek ostarion small bone, diminutive of osteon bone) + -physi (from Greek physa bellows, bladder)