opisthocœlous, a. Comp. Anat.
(-ˈsiːləs)
[f. opistho- + Gr. κοῖλ-ος hollow + -ous.]
Hollow behind; applied to vertebræ the bodies of which are concave posteriorly: distinguished from procœlous and amphicœlous.
| 1872 Nicholson Palæont. 308 In the Bony Pike, the vertebral column is composed of opisthocœlous vertebræ. 1888 Rolleston & Jackson Anim. Life 340 The vertebral centrum may be biconcave (amphicœlous), biconvex, concave in front or behind (= pro- and opisthocœlous), or flat. |