cryptodont
/ˈkrɪptə(ʊ)dɒnt/Palaeontology and Zoology
noun
1Any of various extinct dicynodont reptiles constituting the Late Permian family Cryptodontidae, which lacked obvious teeth. rare.
2Any of various chiefly extinct bivalve molluscs constituting the subclass or superorder Cryptodonta, the shells of which have no hinge teeth.
- The Cryptodonta comprise the Palaeozoic order Praecardioida and the extant order Solemyoida, though the latter is now often placed in a different subclass..
adjective
Of or relating to the subclass or superorder Cryptodonta of molluscs.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Fraser's Magazine for Town and Country. From crypto- + -odont. In senses A. 1 and B. 1 after either scientific Latin Cryptodontia, former family name or scientific Latin Cryptodontidae, current family name.