Hystricomorphy
/ˌhɪstrɪkoʊˈmɔːrfi/noun
The anatomical condition or structural pattern characteristic of hystricomorph rodents, especially their distinctive jaw and skull musculature.
Did you know?Hystricomorphy refers to a specialized arrangement of jaw muscles and skull openings that helps distinguish porcupines, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and related rodents.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
hústrix
“Porcupine or porcupine-like animal”
Ancient Greek
Greek
morphḗ
“Form, shape, or bodily appearance”
19th Century
New Latin
Hystricomorpha
“A zoological group named for its porcupine-like form”
19th–20th Century
Scientific English
hystricomorph
“A rodent belonging to, or resembling, the hystricomorph group”
Modern English
English
hystricomorphy
“The anatomical condition or morphological pattern of hystricomorph rodents”
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