mastodon

[ˈmæstədɑːn]

mastodon Definition

a large, extinct, elephant-like mammal of the Miocene to Pleistocene epochs, typically having tusks and a long, curved proboscis..

Using mastodon: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "mastodon" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The mastodon is an extinct species of elephant that lived during the Ice Age.

  • Example

    Mastodons were herbivores and used their tusks to strip bark from trees.

  • Example

    The American mastodon was once common in North America.

  • Example

    Mastodons are often confused with woolly mammoths, but they are different species.

mastodon Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for mastodon

  • mammoth
  • prehistoric elephant
  • giant sloth

Phrases with mastodon

  • the ivory from the tusks of a mastodon

    Example

    The indigenous people used mastodon ivory to make tools and jewelry.

  • the tooth of a mastodon, which can be several inches long

    Example

    The museum has a collection of mastodon teeth on display.

  • the bones of a mastodon, which can be several feet long

    Example

    The paleontologists excavated a complete mastodon skeleton from the site.

Origins of mastodon

from Greek 'mastos' meaning 'breast' and 'odous' meaning 'tooth'

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Summary: mastodon in Brief

A 'mastodon' [ˈmæstədɑːn] is a large, extinct mammal resembling an elephant, with tusks and a long, curved proboscis. It lived during the Miocene to Pleistocene epochs and was herbivorous, using its tusks to strip bark from trees. The term 'mastodon' extends into phrases like 'mastodon ivory,' 'mastodon tooth,' and 'mastodon skeleton,' referring to different parts of the animal's anatomy.