First Known Use: 1875
Dictionary
polyphyletic
adjective poly·phy·let·ic \ˌpä-lē-(ˌ)fī-ˈle-tik\
Definition of POLYPHYLETIC
: of, relating to, or derived from different ancestral stocks; specifically : relating to or being a taxonomic group that includes members (as genera or species) from different ancestral lineages
— poly·phy·let·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
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Origin of POLYPHYLETIC
International Scientific Vocabulary, from Greek polyphylos of many tribes, from poly- + phylē tribe — more at phyl-
Medical Dictionary
polyphyletic
adjective poly·phy·let·ic \ˌpäl-i-(ˌ)fī-ˈlet-ik\
Medical Definition of POLYPHYLETIC
: of or relating to more than one stock; specifically : derived from more than one ancestral line
—poly·phy·let·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
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