Definition

Noun: 1. An extinct genus of large proboscidean mammals: "Genus Mastodon" is the former, now obsolete, scientific name for a group of extinct, elephant-like mammals. It is classified within the family Mammutidae. These animals are commonly known as mastodons. * Note: In modern scientific classification, the valid genus name for the mastodon is Mammut. "Genus Mastodon" is a historical term.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Early paleontologists classified these fossils under the genus Mastodon.
  • The term genus Mastodon is synonymous with the genus Mammut.

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Context: The term is primarily used in historical scientific literature or in discussions about the history of paleontology. It signifies an earlier stage in the understanding and classification of these prehistoric creatures.

Variants and Related Words

• Mastodon (n): The common name for the extinct mammals belonging to the genera or historically, .
  • They discovered a complete mastodon skeleton.
• Mammut (n): The accepted modern genus name for the mastodon, replacing .
  • The correct scientific name is Mammut americanum.
• Mammutidae (n): The family name that includes the mastodon genus.
  • Mammutidae is distinct from the elephant family, Elephantidae.

Synonyms

• Mammut (n): The modern taxonomic synonym.

Notes on Meaning

• The key distinction is that "genus Mastodon" is an obsolete scientific term. It refers to the same group of animals now correctly classified under the genus Mammut. The common name "mastodon" remains in use for these animals.

Noun

1. extinct type genus of the Mammutidae: mastodons