neognathous
/nɪˈɒɡnəθəs/Chiefly Palaeontology
adjective
Designating the type of palate and jaw characteristic of nearly all living and some fossil birds (forming the superorder Neognathae), in which, among other features, the vomers are usually small and completely fused.
Origin
Early 20th century; earliest use found in William Pycraft (1868–1942). From scientific Latin Neognathae, superorder name + -ous; so named on the assumption that such a palate is an advanced condition.