Late 19th century; earliest use found in Encyclopaedia Britannica. From penta- + lopho- + -odont; compare scientific Latin Pentalophodon, former subgenus of mastodons characterized by teeth of this kind.
Definition of pentalophodont in US English:
pentalophodont
adjective
Zoology
Having molar teeth with five ridges.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in Encyclopaedia Britannica. From penta- + lopho- + -odont; compare scientific Latin Pentalophodon, former subgenus of mastodons characterized by teeth of this kind.