having the temporal bone resembling that of mammals. [ < thero-comb. form + ancient Greek κρόταϕος the temple (see crotaphicadj.) + -oussuffix.]
ΚΠ
1907 Williston in Proc. U.S. National Mus.32 488 The plesiosaurs have a larger temporal vacuity, larger indeed than is to be found in any other reptiles of the therocrotaphous (I coin the word) type.