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Webster 1913 Edition

Adj.

[Gr.

δεσμόσ

bond +

γνάθοσ

jaw.]

(Zool.)

Having the maxillo-palatine bones united; – applied to a group of carinate birds (

Desmognathæ

), including various wading and swimming birds, as the ducks and herons, and also raptorial and other kinds.