DEINOTHERIUM Meaning and
Definition
-
Deinotherium is an extinct genus of prehistoric mammals that belonged to the family Deinotheriidae, meaning "terrible beasts". It was a large, herbivorous mammal that roamed the Earth during the Miocene and Pleistocene epochs, approximately 23 million to 2.6 million years ago.
The Deinotherium was known for its unique and striking physical features, namely its long, downward-curving tusks that protruded from the lower jaw. These tusks could reach lengths of up to 3 meters (10 feet), and their purpose remains a topic of debate among paleontologists. Some suggest these impressive tusks were used for digging and uprooting vegetation, while others propose they might have been employed for defense or display purposes.
This prehistoric creature was quite massive, with the largest species estimated to have weighed around 17 tons, making them one of the largest land mammals of their time. Deinotherium resembled modern-day elephants in some ways, with a stocky body, a long and flexible trunk, and large bony ridges on their skulls. However, it differed significantly due to its downward-facing tusks and differences in tooth structure.
Fossil remains of Deinotherium have been discovered in various parts of Africa, Asia, and Europe, indicating a wide distribution across these continents. While their extinction is still subject to speculation, it is believed to have occurred during the late Pleistocene, likely due to a combination of changing climates, habitat loss, and competition with other herbivorous mammals.
Today, the only evidence of Deinotherium's existence rests in the form of fossils and our continued study of these ancient remains.
-
A gigantic fossil mammal furnished with a short proboscis, and armed with two enormous tusks, turned downwards, and slightly curved inwards.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for DEINOTHERIUM
- seinotherium
- xeinotherium
- ceinotherium
- feinotherium
- reinotherium
- eeinotherium
- dwinotherium
- dsinotherium
- ddinotherium
- drinotherium
- d4inotherium
- d3inotherium
- deunotherium
- dejnotherium
- deknotherium
- deonotherium
- de9notherium
- de8notherium
- deibotherium
Etymology of DEINOTHERIUM
The word "Deinotherium" comes from Greek roots. The prefix "deino-" means "terrible" or "fearsome", and "therion" means "beast" or "wild animal". Therefore, "Deinotherium" can be translated as "terrible beast" or "fearsome animal". "Deinotherium" is the name of an extinct genus of prehistoric elephants that existed during the Miocene and Pliocene epochs.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
