How Do You Spell CEPHALASPIS?

Pronunciation: [sˈɛfɐlˌaspiz] (IPA)

Cephalaspis is a genus of ancient, jawless fish that lived during the Devonian period. The word "Cephalaspis" is derived from Greek, with "cephal" meaning head and "aspis" meaning shield. The correct pronunciation of this word is [sɛfəˈlæspɪs], with emphasis on the second syllable. The "c" in "Cephalaspis" is pronounced like an "s" sound, while the "ph" is pronounced like an "f" sound. The "i" in the middle of the word is pronounced like a short "i" sound.

CEPHALASPIS Meaning and Definition

1. Cephalaspis is the name of an extinct genus of early jawed fish that lived during the Devonian period, around 387 to 359 million years ago. It belongs to the class Cephalaspidomorphi and is characterized by its distinctive armor-like head shield, which was made of bone and covered the anterior part of its body. The name "Cephalaspis" is derived from Greek words; "Cephalo" means head, and "aspis" refers to a round shield.

   The Cephalaspis had a streamlined body shape, similar to that of modern-day fish, and it reached lengths of about 30 centimeters. It had a pair of large, forward-facing eyes to aid in vision and a small mouth that lacked jaws. Instead, it possessed a unique dental apparatus called gnathal plates, which functioned in grinding or crushing food.

   The head shield of Cephalaspis acted as protection from predators, such as larger fish or aquatic invertebrates. It was composed of overlapping bony plates, and both its upper and lower surfaces were covered in distinct ridges and grooves. The head shield also possessed small sensory pores, possibly indicating the presence of a lateral line system for detecting movement and vibrations in the water.

   Cephalaspis is considered an important fossil as it provides valuable insight into the early evolution of jawed vertebrates. Its unique cranial shield demonstrates the adaptation of armor and protective structures in ancient fish species, contributing to understanding the diversification of early aquatic life.

2. In geol., a fossil fish, so called from having the bones of the head united into a single shield-like case.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for CEPHALASPIS

• xephalaspis
• vephalaspis
• fephalaspis
• dephalaspis
• cwphalaspis
• csphalaspis
• cdphalaspis
• crphalaspis
• c4phalaspis
• c3phalaspis
• ceohalaspis
• celhalaspis
• ce-halaspis
• ce0halaspis
• cepgalaspis
• cepbalaspis
• cepnalaspis
• cepjalaspis
• cepualaspis

Etymology of CEPHALASPIS

The word "Cephalaspis" has ancient Greek origins. It is derived from two Greek words: "kephalē" meaning "head" and "aspis" meaning "shield" or "buckler".

The name "Cephalaspis" was given to an extinct genus of jawless fish that lived during the Devonian period, around 360-345 million years ago. These fishes had a distinctive shield-like head armor, which resembled the shape of a buckler or shield. Hence, the name "Cephalaspis" was coined to describe this characteristic feature.