proatlas
Zoology and Anatomy
noun
A vertebral element located between the base of the skull and the atlas vertebra which fuses with the skull during embryonic development in most vertebrates, but persists as a distinct element in some, especially as a pair of small, V-shaped bones anterior to the neural arch of the atlas in certain reptiles (e.g. chameleons and tuataras).
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in American Naturalist.
- Drenthe
- Dresden
- Dresden china
- dress
- dressage
- dress circle
- dress coat
- dress code
- dress down
- dressed overall
- dressed to kill
- dressed (up) like a dog's dinner
- dresser
- dressing
- dressing case
- dressing-down
- dressing gown
- dressing room
- dressing shed
- dressing station
- dressing table
- dress length
- dressmaker
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- dress parade