rhynchocephalian
/ˌrɪŋkə(ʊ)sɪˈfeɪlɪən/ /ˌrɪŋkə(ʊ)kɛˈfeɪlɪən/(also rhyncocephalian) Zoology and Palaeontology
adjective
Of or relating to the diapsid reptile order Rhynchocephalia (infraclass Lepidosauromorpha), which comprises such superficially lizard-like forms as the modern tuataras (genus Sphenodon) and various Mesozoic fossil forms, known collectively as beak-heads.
- The Rhynchocephalia as originally conceived was a polyphyletic group that included the rhynchosaurs. It is now usually restricted to those closely related to the tuataras and is often known as Sphenodontia..
noun
A rhynchocephalian reptile; a beak-head.
Origin
Mid 19th century. From scientific Latin Rhynchocephalia, order name (A. Günther 1867, in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 157 626; from rhyncho- + ancient Greek κεϕαλή head + scientific Latin -ia, after Rhynchocephalus, genus name) + -an.