Word Study
carnassial
CIDE DICTIONARY
carnassial, a. [Cf. F. carnassier carnivorous, and L. caro, carnis, flesh.].
Adapted to eating flesh. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
carnassial, adj. & n.
--adj. (of a carnivore's upper premolar and lower molar teeth) adapted for shearing flesh.
--n. such a tooth. Also called SECTORIAL.
--adj. (of a carnivore's upper premolar and lower molar teeth) adapted for shearing flesh.
--n. such a tooth. Also called SECTORIAL.
Etymology
F carnassier carnivorous
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