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Glite Dictionary
perissodactyl mammal

perissodactyl mammal

9.9
A mammal with hooves and an odd number of toes, like a horse or rhino
  • noun
  • /pəˈrɪsəˌdæktɪl ˈmæməl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : mamífero perisodáctilo
  • The horse is a classic example of a perissodactyl mammal distinguished by its single hoof on each foot.

Examples

  • Rhinos and tapirs are less familiar perissodactyl mammals that also share this unique foot structure.

  • The perissodactyl mammal is an interesting group of animals.

  • Researchers are studying the evolutionary history of perissodactyl mammals to learn more about their ancient relatives.

  • Did you know that a perissodactyl mammal has an odd number of toes?

  • The rhinoceros is a large perissodactyl mammal known for its impressive horn.

  • Horses, as perissodactyl mammals, have evolved to run swiftly across open plains.

  • Tapirs are unique perissodactyl mammals that inhabit tropical forests and grasslands.

Synonyms

perissodactyl
vsperissodactyl mammal
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of hoofed mammals with an odd number of toes like horses, rhinos, and tapirs

is the same group but given with an added descriptive noun
odd-toed ungulate
vsperissodactyl mammal
  • Specialized
9.9

An animal with hooves and an odd number of toes, like horses or rhinos

is the scientific term rather than the common descriptive phrase

Surface Forms

perissodactyl mammal singular
perissodactyl mammals plural

Morphology

perissodactyl + mammal

The phrase is fully compositional: 'perissodactyl' specifies a hoofed, odd-toed animal and 'mammal' names the class, so the meaning ('a hoofed mammal with an odd number of toes') is directly derivable from the parts. Although 'perissodactyl' is a technical term, given knowledge of both constituents the combination is transparent rather than idiomatic.

Etymology

Perissodactyl mammal comes from Greek parts: perisso- meaning 'odd' and -dactyl meaning 'toe'. So, the picture of a horse with one hoof or a rhino with three toes helps you remember that the term means 'a hoofed mammal with an odd number of toes' today.