How Do You Spell MICROLESTES?

Pronunciation: [mˈa͡ɪkɹə͡ʊlˌɛsts] (IPA)

"Microlestes" is a word with a rather complex spelling. It refers to a genus of extinct small mammals that lived during the Triassic period. To break it down phonetically, we can use the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable, "mi-," is pronounced /ˈmaɪ/ and the second syllable, "-cro," is pronounced /kroʊ/. The third syllable, "-les," is pronounced /lɛs/. Finally, the fourth syllable "-tes" is pronounced /tɛs/. Altogether, "Microlestes" is pronounced /ˈmaɪ.kroʊ.lɛs.tɛs/.

MICROLESTES Meaning and Definition

1. Microlestes is a genus of extinct mammal-like reptiles that lived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 220 to 210 million years ago. It belonged to the group of early cynodonts, which are considered part of the evolutionary lineage leading to modern mammals. Microlestes represents one of the earliest known cynodont genera, and its fossils have been discovered in various locations around the world, including South Africa.

   These small-sized reptiles typically measured around 10 to 15 centimeters in length and had a slender body structure. They possessed distinct features such as sharp, carnivorous teeth, specialized for capturing and consuming small prey. Microlestes likely inhabited terrestrial environments, displaying adaptations consistent with a partially or fully mammalian way of life.

   Microlestes is of significant interest to paleontologists as it offers a glimpse into the evolutionary transitions that occurred in synapsid reptiles leading up to true mammals. Its fossil remains provide valuable insights into the anatomical changes and adaptations that enabled the subsequent diversifications and advancements seen in mammalian evolution.

   By studying and comparing the skeletal characteristics of Microlestes with other closely related species, scientists have been able to reconstruct its ecological niche and hypothesize about its behavior and lifestyle. These invaluable discoveries help us piece together the complex evolutionary puzzle of mammalian origins, offering a deeper understanding of the history and diversity of life on Earth.

2. In geol., a small fossil insectivorous quadruped.

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

Common Misspellings for MICROLESTES

• nicrolestes
• kicrolestes
• jicrolestes
• mucrolestes
• mjcrolestes
• mkcrolestes
• mocrolestes
• m9crolestes
• m8crolestes
• mixrolestes
• mivrolestes
• mifrolestes
• midrolestes
• miceolestes
• micdolestes
• micfolestes
• mictolestes
• mic5olestes
• mic4olestes
• micrilestes

Etymology of MICROLESTES

The word "Microlestes" has its origin in Ancient Greek. It is formed by combining the word "micros", meaning "small" or "little", and "lestes", meaning "robber" or "thief". So, the term "Microlestes" can be translated roughly as "tiny robber" or "small thief". This name was given to a genus of extinct mammal-like reptiles that lived during the Triassic period.