theriodontia Meaning, Definition & Usage

NL., fr. Gr. (dim. of a beast) + , , a tooth.

(Paleon.) An extinct order of reptiles found in the Permian and Triassic formations in South Africa. In some respects they resembled carnivorous mammals. Called also Theromorpha. ✍ They had biconcave vertebræ, ambulatory limbs, and a well-developed pelvis and shoulder girdle. Some of the species had large maxillary teeth. The head somewhat resembled that of a turtle. The Dicynodont is one of the best-known examples. See Dicynodont.