glyptodont

1 9.9

A large extinct animal with a hard shell like an armadillo from long ago

noun
/ˌɡlɪp.təˈdɒnt/

Specialized

: gliptodonte

an armored glyptodont

Examples

The armored glyptodonts, extinct relatives of armadillos, were among the most unusual mammals ever to evolve.

Academic text (2009)
The armored glyptodont, an extinct relative of armadillos, roamed the earth during the prehistoric era.
In Argentina, the paleontologist discovered the fossil of a glyptodont, showcasing its unique armored structure.
Researchers believe that the large glyptodont may have competed for resources with early human ancestors.

Surface Forms

glyptodont singular

glyptodonts plural

Morphology

glyptodont = glypt + odont

The word is built from Greek combining forms (glypt- + -odont) that are not recognizable standalone English words, so average learners cannot derive the meaning from familiar vocabulary.

Etymology

Glyptodont comes from Greek parts glypto- 'carved' and -odont 'tooth', because early scientists named it after its strange, carved-looking teeth. So the name helps you remember a large, armored mammal related to armadillos that lived long ago.