Edentata
|e-den-ta-ta|
🇺🇸
/ˌiːdɛnˈteɪtə/
🇬🇧
/ˌiːdɛnˈtɑːtə/
without teeth; (obsolete) toothless mammal group
Etymology
'Edentata' originates from Neo-Latin (New Latin), specifically from Latin 'edentatus', where the prefix 'e-' (variant of ex-) meant 'without' and 'dent-' (from 'dens') meant 'tooth'.
'Edentata' was formed in Neo-Latin based on Latin 'edentatus' and was adopted into scientific English as the name of a mammalian order; over time taxonomic revisions have largely replaced 'Edentata' with other group names (e.g. Xenarthra) in modern classifications.
Initially it meant 'toothless' or 'without teeth' (as an adjective), and it came to be used as a taxonomic name for mammals characterized by reduced or absent teeth; in modern usage the taxonomic sense is now largely obsolete or restricted.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an (now obsolete) taxonomic order name formerly used for a group of mammals that included anteaters, sloths, armadillos and related forms; the grouping has since been revised (see Xenarthra, etc.).
Many species once placed in Edentata are now classified under Xenarthra or other groups.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
lacking teeth; toothless (used in medical or zoological descriptions as 'edentate' or occasionally used adjectivally).
Several species described under Edentata display edentate jaws or highly reduced dentition.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/09 16:25