theromorph Palæont.
(ˈθɪərəʊmɔːf)
[f. mod.L. Thēromorpha neut. pl. (see def.), f. Gr. θηρο- thero- + µορϕή form.]
A reptile of the extinct order Theromorpha, of Permian and Trias age, having certain mammalian characters. So theroˈmorphic a.1, theroˈmorphous a., belonging to or having the characters of the Theromorpha.
| 1887 Cope Orig. Fittest xi. 317 The Mammalia have been traced to the theromorphous reptiles through the Monotremata. 1891 Cent. Dict., Theromorph, Theromorphic. [1901 H. Gadow in Cambr. Nat. Hist. VIII. viii. 303 Many of the Theromorpha reached a considerable size, massive skulls of one foot in length being not uncommon. Note. Cope, the inventor of this most appropriate name (Theromorpha, or ‘beast-shaped’ animals), soon changed it, unnecessarily, into Theromora.] |