Definition of "acanthodian" in English

noun

1. (zoology) A member of a group of extinct fish (Acanthodii) that existed from the Silurian to the Permian period.

   • The emerging picture of acanthodian (and perhaps placoderm) paraphyly does not overturn a general consensus about gnathostome interrelationships.

adjective

1. Pertaining to Acanthodii.