labyrinthodont

9.9

An extinct early amphibian that lived in water and on land with teeth that had many folds

noun
/ˌlæbəˈrɪnθəˌdɒnt/

Archaic

: laberintodonte

A distinctive feature of every labyrinthodont is the intricate pattern within its teeth.

Examples

Scientists believe labyrinthodonts were among the earliest vertebrates to transition from water to land.
Many labyrinthodonts lived during the late Paleozoic era.
The fossilized remains of a labyrinthodont were discovered in the sedimentary layers of the valley.
The labyrinthodont was a fascinating creature from prehistoric times.
The fossilized remains of a labyrinthodont were discovered in the sedimentary layers of the valley.
Many labyrinthodonts lived during the late Paleozoic era.
Scientists believe labyrinthodonts were among the earliest vertebrates to transition from water to land.

Synonyms

Labyrinthodontia

vslabyrinthodont

Specialized

9.9

A group of large extinct amphibians with flat skulls and cone-shaped teeth with complex patterns

is one animal from that group marked by folded tooth enamel

Labyrinthodonta

vslabyrinthodont

Specialized

9.9

A group of large extinct amphibians with flat skulls and cone-shaped teeth that lived a very long time ago

is a primitive amphibian of that group with folded enamel in its teeth

Surface Forms

labyrinthodont singular

labyrinthodonts plural

Morphology

labyrinthodont = labyrinth (opaque) = labyrinth + odont

The second element is the Greek combining form '-odont' ('tooth'), which is a technical bound morpheme unfamiliar to average learners, so the taxonomic meaning is not derivable from the parts.

Etymology

Labyrinthodont comes from Greek parts labyrinth ('maze') and odont ('tooth'), so it literally means 'maze-tooth'. This name fits because these ancient amphibians had teeth with complicated, folded patterns that look like a tiny maze.