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carnassial

Pronunciation: /kɑːˈnasɪəl/
Definition of carnassial

adjective

Zoology
  • denoting the large upper premolar and lower molar teeth of a carnivore, adapted for shearing flesh.

noun

  • a carnassial tooth.

Origin:

mid 19th century: from French carnassier 'carnivorous', based on Latin caro, carn- 'flesh'

carnassial in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of carnassial in the US English dictionary

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