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Definition of megaloceros
megaloceros
/ˌmɛɡəˈlɒsərəs/
meg · a · loc · er · os
Plural:megaloceroses
megaloceros Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
12
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• 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
Word Origin & Etymology
From Modern Latin, derived from the Greek words 'megalos' (great) and 'keras' (horn), referencing the animal's extraordinarily large antlers.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Megaloceros. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/megaloceros