hypsodonty

/hɪpsəʊnˈdɒti/

Definitions

1. noun

A dental characteristic of certain mammals, typically herbivores, in which the teeth are high-crowned and open-rooted, allowing them to wear down plant material as they continue to grow.

“The hypsodonty of horses and rhinos allows them to efficiently break down tough plant fibers.”

Synonyms

  • high-crowned teeth
  • open-rooted teeth

Antonyms

  • closed-rooted teeth
  • low-crowned teeth