"Asterospondylic" is a term in paleontology used to describe ancient reptiles with prominent vertebrae. The word is pronounced /ˌæstəroʊspɑːnˈdɪlɪk/ (uh-ster-o-spawn-dil-ick), with the stress on the second syllable. The word's spelling reflects its Greek roots: "astero-" (star) and "spondylos" (vertebra). It is a complex word, and its spelling may be difficult to remember for some. However, for scientists studying prehistoric species, it is an invaluable descriptor for understanding the morphology and characteristics of ancient reptiles.
The word "asterospondylic" is a scientific term derived from two Greek roots: "aster" meaning star and "spondylos" meaning vertebra. In the context of biology and paleontology, "asterospondylic" refers to a specific type of fossilized vertebrate remains. The term is commonly used in describing certain extinct marine animals characterized by star-shaped vertebrae.