Rha"chi*o*dont (?), a. [Gr. "ra`chis, -ios, the spine + , , a tooth.] Zool.

Having gular teeth formed by a peculiar modification of the inferior spines of some of the vertebrae, as certain South African snakes (Dasypelits) which swallow birds' eggs and use these gular teeth to crush them.

 

© Webster 1913.

Log in or register to write something here or to contact authors.