Cyathaspis

/saɪ.ˈæθ.ə.spɪs/ noun

Definition

An extinct group of early armored fish (agnathans) from the Paleozoic era, characterized by a cuplike shield covering the head and body.

Etymology

From cyath- (cup) + aspis (shield, from Greek). The name literally means 'cup-shield,' describing their distinctive armor.

Kelly Says

Cyathaspis were some of the first armored vertebrates, swimming around 500 million years ago with shields that made them look like tiny medieval tanks made of bone.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.