opisthognathous

9.9

Having jaws that point backward like some insects

adjective
/ˌɒpɪsθəˈnæθəs/

Specialized

: opisthognato

Many true bugs have opisthognathous mouthparts that enable them to feed effectively.

Examples

The beetle was classified as opisthognathous due to its receding mandibles.
An opisthognathous jaw orientation is uncommon among predatory mammals.
The opisthognathous beetle has a unique jaw structure.
Is the opisthognathous species rare?
Many true bugs have opisthognathous mouthparts that enable them to feed effectively.
The beetle was classified as opisthognathous due to its receding mandibles.
An opisthognathous jaw orientation is uncommon among predatory mammals.

Antonyms

prognathous

Specialized

1 9.9

A face with the lower jaw sticking out in front of the upper jaw

Surface Forms

opisthognathous positive

Morphology

opisthognathous = opistho + gnath + ous

Formed from specialized Greek combining forms ('opistho-' = backward, 'gnath-' = jaw) plus '-ous'; these combining forms are not productive standalone English words, so the meaning is not accessible to an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Opisthognathous comes from Greek parts opistho- meaning 'back' and -gnathous meaning 'jaw'. So it describes animals whose jaws point backward or are set toward the back of the head.