Theriodontia

Theriodontia , noun, plural

[New Latin, from Greek {not transcribed} (dim. of {not transcribed} a beast) + {not transcribed}, {not transcribed}, a tooth.]

(Paleontology) 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.

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.