Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Machairodus
{ ‖
Ma-chae′ro-dus
(mȧ-kē′rō̍-dŭs)
, ‖Ma-chai′ro-dus
(mȧ-kī′rō̍-dŭs)
, } Noun.
[NL., fr. Gr.
μάχαιρα
dagger + ὀδούσ
tooth.] (Paleon.)
A genus of extinct mammals allied to the cats, and having in the upper jaw canine teeth of remarkable size and strength; – hence called
saber-toothed tigers
.