amphistylic

9.9

Both the skull and a bone behind the jaw support the jaw

adjective
/æmˈfɪstɪlɪk/

Specialized

: amfistílico

Some ancient sharks had amphistylic jaws, allowing for both strength and flexibility in feeding.

Examples

The fossil record shows that amphistylic jaw suspension was common in early cartilaginous fishes.
The amphistylic jaw structure allows for greater mobility in certain fish species.
Researchers studied the amphistylic structure to understand the evolution of jaw mechanics in vertebrates.
Are there any amphistylic fishes in freshwater habitats?
Some ancient sharks had amphistylic jaws, providing a unique balance of strength and flexibility for their feeding habits.
The fossil record reveals that many early cartilaginous fishes featured amphistylic jaw suspension, which contributed to their diverse feeding strategies.
Scientists analyzed the amphistylic jaw structure in certain fish species to better comprehend the evolutionary adaptations in jaw mechanics.

Surface Forms

amphistylic positive

Morphology

amphistylic = amphi + stylic

The term is built from technical combining forms ('amphi-' + 'stylic') that are not recognizable to an average B1 learner, so the meaning cannot be reliably derived from the parts.

Etymology

Amphistylic combines amphi- meaning 'both' (as in amphibian) and -stylic from a root meaning 'support' or 'pillar', so it gives the image of something held up on two sides. So, amphistylic describes a jaw that is 'supported on both sides', helping you remember it is held by the skull and a supporting bone.