Definition

Describing animals that have two sets of teeth during their lifetime, first temporary teeth and then permanent ones.

Example

Humans are diphyodonts because they first have baby teeth that fall out and are replaced by adult teeth.

Conversation

Did you know that humans are diphyodont?

Really? I didn’t know that meant we have two sets of teeth.

Yeah, first the baby teeth and then the adult ones.

That makes sense! I always wondered why we lose our teeth.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Diphyodont → It is formed from "di-" (meaning two) and "phyodont" (from Greek "phyo" meaning to grow and "odous" meaning tooth). The word describes a type of tooth development where two sets of teeth are grown, typically referring to the primary and permanent teeth in mammals.

Memory Tip

Think of 'two' ('di-') sets of 'growing teeth' ('phyodont') — that's why diphyodont refers to animals that develop two sets of teeth.

Visually Confused Words