Search the Dictionary

A class of air-breathing oviparous vertebrates, usually covered with scales or bony plates. The heart generally has two auricles and one ventricle. The development of the young is the same as that of birds.

Belonging to the reptiles. Reptilian age (Geol.), that part of geological time comprising the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods, and distinguished as that era in which the class of reptiles attained its highest expansion; -- called also the Secondary or Mezozoic age.

ail of many vertebræ with feathers along each side, and jaws armed with teeth, with other reptilian characteristics.

h the dermal plates so as to form a firm shell. The jaws are covered by a horny beak. See Reptilia; also, Illust. in Appendix.

An order of Reptilia, which includes the lizards.

Belonging, or relating, to the secondary or reptilian age, or the era between the Paleozoic and Cenozoic. See Chart of Geology.

A group of extinct Reptilia, intermediate in structure (especially with regard to the pelvis) between reptiles and birds. -- Or`ni*tho*scel"i*dan, a.

One of the Reptilia, or one of the Amphibia.

A division of Reptilia formerly established to include the Lacertilia, Crocodilia, Dinosauria, and other groups. By some writers the name is restricted to the Lacertilia.

visceral, cavity below it. The subdivisions or classes of Vertebrata are Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Amphibia, Pisces, Marsipobranchia, and Leptocardia.