trilobite

[ trahy-luh-bahyt ]
/ ˈtraɪ ləˌbaɪt /

noun

any marine arthropod of the extinct class Trilobita, from the Paleozoic Era, having a flattened, oval body varying in length from 1 inch (2.5 cm) or less to 2 feet (61 cm).

Origin of trilobite

1825–35; < New Latin Trilobites, equivalent to Greek trílob(os) three-lobed (see tri-, lobe) + -ītēs -ite1

OTHER WORDS FROM trilobite

tri·lo·bit·ic [trahy-luh-bit-ik] /ˌtraɪ ləˈbɪt ɪk/, adjective

Words nearby trilobite

trillion, trillionaire, trillium, trilobate, trilobed, trilobite, trilocular, trilogy, trilogy of fallot, trim, trim die

Example sentences from the Web for trilobite

British Dictionary definitions for trilobite

trilobite
/ (ˈtraɪləˌbaɪt) /

noun

any extinct marine arthropod of the group Trilobita, abundant in Palaeozoic times, having a segmented exoskeleton divided into three parts

Derived forms of trilobite

trilobitic (ˌtraɪləˈbɪtɪk), adjective

Word Origin for trilobite

C19: from New Latin Trilobītēs, from Greek trilobos having three lobes; see tri-, lobe

Scientific definitions for trilobite

trilobite
[ trī′lə-bīt′ ]

Any of numerous extinct and mostly small arthropods of the subphylum Trilobita that lived during the Paleozoic Era and are extremely common as fossils. Trilobites had a hard outer covering divided into three lengthwise and three widthwise sections. Their heads had two prominent compound eyes similar in structure to those of modern insects.