‖ menopoma
(mɛnəʊˈpəʊmə)
Also anglicized menopome (ˈmɛnəpəʊm).
[mod.L., irreg. f. Gr. µένειν to remain + πῶµα lid.]
A genus of amphibians characterized by the persistence of the branchial apertures; an amphibian of this genus, a hellbender.
| 1835–6 Todd's Cycl. Anat. I. 91/1 The amphiuma and menopoma have not as yet been observed to possess branchiæ. 1842 Penny Cycl. XX. 342/1 Salamandrops, Wagler's name for the Menopome. 1863 Wood Nat. Hist. III. 185 The Menopome inhabits the Ohio and Alleghany rivers. |