theriodontia

‖n. pl. [ NL., fr. Gr. &unr_; (dim. of &unr_; a beast) + &unr_;, &unr_;, a tooth. ] (Paleon.) An extinct order of reptiles found in the Permian and Triassic formations in South Africa. In some respects they resembled carnivorous mammals. Called also Theromorpha. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ They had biconcave vertebrae, ambulatory limbs, and a well-developed pelvis and shoulder girdle. Some of the species had large maxillary teeth. The head somewhat resembled that of a turtle. The Dicynodont is one of the best-known examples. See Dicynodont. [ 1913 Webster ]