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Glite Dictionary
Smilodon californicus

Smilodon californicus

9.9
A large extinct cat with very long curved front teeth that lived in North America
  • noun
  • /ˈsmaɪləˌdɒn ˌkælɪˈfɔrnɪkəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Smilodon californicus
  • The massive canines of Smilodon californicus made it one of the most recognizable prehistoric predators.

Examples

  • Fossils of Smilodon californicus have been discovered in the tar pits of Los Angeles.

  • Scientists believe that Smilodon californicus hunted large mammals such as bison and camels.

  • The Smilodon californicus roamed North America during the Pleistocene.

  • Have you ever seen a Smilodon californicus skeleton in a museum?

  • Fossils of Smilodon californicus have been discovered in the tar pits of Los Angeles.

  • Scientists believe that Smilodon californicus hunted large mammals such as bison and camels.

  • The massive canines of Smilodon californicus made it one of the most recognizable prehistoric predators.

Synonyms

saber-toothed tiger
vsSmilodon californicus
  • US
4 7.7

A large extinct cat with long curved front teeth that lived long ago

is a North American species rather than a broad prehistoric category
sabertooth
vsSmilodon californicus
  • US
1 9.4

A large extinct cat with very long upper front teeth

is a single North American species rather than a widespread multi region group

Surface Forms

Smilodon californicus singular
Smilodon californicuses plural

Morphology

Smilodon + californicus

This is a taxonomic binomial: 'Smilodon' denotes a saber-toothed cat and 'californicus' is a Latin adjectival epithet meaning 'from California' or 'Californian', so a learner who knows both parts can infer it refers to the Smilodon associated with California. Binomial formation is compositional and follows a predictable pattern, making the meaning directly derivable from the constituents.

Etymology

Smilodon californicus is a scientific name that paints a simple picture: Smilodon comes from words for 'knife' and 'tooth', and californicus means 'from California'. So the name helps you imagine a saber-toothed cat with long, knife-like teeth whose fossils were found in California.