a. Comp. Anat. [f. Gr. τέμν-ειν to cut + σπόνδυλ-ος vertebra + -OUS.] Having vertebræ composed of separately ossified parts.
1901. H. Gadow, in Camb. Nat. Hist., VIII. viii. 286. The vertebræ are typically temnospondylous, consisting each of three pairs of separately ossified pieces.
