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Definition of megaloceros

megaloceros

/ˌmɛɡəˈlɒsərəs/
meg · a · loc · er · os
Plural:megaloceroses
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megaloceros Lexical Profile

• noun

1

An extinct genus of giant deer (family Cervidae) that inhabited Eurasia during the Pleistocene and early Holocene epochs, distinguished by possessing the largest antlers of any known cervid.

Example

"Paleontologists recently excavated the well-preserved skull of a megaloceros from a peat bog, showcasing an antler span of nearly twelve feet."

Word Nuance & Usage

Though commonly referred to by the colloquial name 'Irish elk', the megaloceros was neither exclusively Irish nor an elk, but an extinct genus of giant deer.

• Rhymes for megaloceros

• Nearby Words

megahit
megaliter
megalithic
megaloceros
megalodon
megalomania
megalomaniac

Word Origin & Etymology

From Modern Latin, derived from the Greek words 'megalos' (great) and 'keras' (horn), referencing the animal's extraordinarily large antlers.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Megaloceros. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/megaloceros
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