pygostyle

English - English

Definition of pygostyle in English English dictionary

The plate supporting the tail-feathers in birds, formed from fused vertebrae

The plate of bone which forms the posterior end of the vertebral column in most birds; the plowshare bone; the vomer

It is formed by the union of a number of the last caudal vertebræ, and supports the uropigium

Related Terms

The pygostyle

vomer

Synonyms

parson's nose, pope's nose, sultan's nose

Etymology

() From pygo- + Ancient Greek στυλος ‘column’.