plectognath, a. and n. Ichthyol.
(ˈplɛktəgnæθ)
[f. mod.L. Plectognathi, f. Gr. πλεκτός plaited, twisted + γνάθος jaw.]
a. adj. Of or pertaining to the Plectognathi, a suborder of teleostean fishes, having the upper jaw attached to the cranium, and the skeleton imperfectly ossified. b. n. A fish of this suborder. So plectognathian (-ˈgneɪθɪən) a. and n., plectognathic (-ˈgnæθɪk), plectognathous (-ˈɒgnəθəs) adjs. = sense a above.
| 1835 Kirby Hab. & Inst. Anim. II. xxi. 391 Plectognathian Fishes. Gill-covers concealed under a thick skin. Ribs rudimental. Ventral fins wanting. 1841 E. Scudamore Nomenclature, Plectognathic,..fishes with fixed jaws, as the sun-fish, &c. 1858 Mayne Expos. Lex., Plectognathus, knitted or connected cheeks..from a peculiar arrangement of the jaw and palatine arch: plectognathous. |