dimetrodon
dimetrodon Lexical Profile
dimetrodon Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An extinct genus of carnivorous synapsid (apex predator of the Early Permian period) characterized by a large, prominent neural spine sail on its back and two distinct types of teeth in its jaw.
"The museum's paleontology wing features a fully articulated dimetrodon skeleton, showcasing the dramatic dorsal sail that scientists believe may have been used for thermoregulation."
Word Nuance & Usage
Although frequently featured in dinosaur toy sets and popular media, the dimetrodon is not actually a dinosaur; it is an extinct synapsid that lived tens of millions of years before dinosaurs existed and is more closely related to early mammals.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in 1878 by American paleontologist Edward Drinker Cope from Greek 'di-' (two), 'metron' (measure), and 'odous/odont-' (tooth), referring to the two distinct sizes of teeth found in its jaws.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.