Smilodon
9.9
A large extinct saber-toothed cat that lived in the Americas
- noun
- /ˈsmaɪləˌdɒn/
- Specialized
:
Smilodon
- Scientists discovered fossils of the smilodon in North America during their excavation.
Examples
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The smilodon is often depicted in documentaries about prehistoric animals.
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...the smilodon was a beast to be reckoned with.
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You have asked about the smilodon, given its common name because of the large canines protruding out of its mouth.
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The smilodon had large, curved saber teeth that helped it hunt large prey.
Synonyms
4
7.7
A large extinct cat with long curved front teeth that lived long ago
is a specific genus limited to the Americas during the Pleistocene
1
9.4
A large extinct cat with very long upper front teeth
is restricted to a particular genus in the Americas during the Pleistocene
Compounds
Smilodon californicus
- Specialized
9.9
A large extinct cat with very long curved front teeth that lived in North America
Surface Forms
Etymology
Smilodon comes from Greek parts smilē ('knife' or 'chisel') and odon ('tooth'). So the name means 'knife-tooth', a clear image for the long, saber-like front teeth of this extinct big cat.