theriodontia

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CIDE DICTIONARY

theriodontia, n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. (dim. of a beast) + , , a tooth.].

An extinct order of reptiles found in the Permian and Triassic formations in South Africa. In some respects they resembled carnivorous mammals. Called also Theromorpha. [1913 Webster]

" They had biconcave vertebræ, ambulatory limbs, and a well-developed pelvis and shoulder girdle. Some of the species had large maxillary teeth. The head somewhat resembled that of a turtle. The Dicynodont is one of the best-known examples. See Dicynodont." [1913 Webster]