Urostyle
/ˈjʊərəstaɪl/noun
A rod-like skeletal structure in frogs and other anurans formed mainly by fused posterior vertebrae.
Did you know?The urostyle is a defining feature of adult frogs and toads: during metamorphosis, the tadpole’s tail is absorbed while its supporting vertebrae become part of this rigid internal structure.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
οὐρά (ourá)
“Tail”
Ancient Greek
Greek
στῦλος (stûlos)
“Pillar or column”
19th Century
Scientific Latin
urostyle
“A zoological compound meaning “tail pillar””
19th Century
English
urostyle
“The fused, rod-like posterior vertebral structure of frogs and related amphibians”
Modern English
English
urostyle
“The internal skeletal rod characteristic of adult anurans”