(ˌ)pīˌthänəˈmȯrfə, ˌpīthən- noun plural
Usage: capitalized
Etymology: New Latin, from Latin Python, monstrous serpent killed by Apollo + New Latin -morpha
in some classifications : a suborder of Squamata or other group of large marine reptiles of the Cretaceous of No. America and Europe having a long snakelike scaly body, a head like that of a lizard with strong recurved teeth, and two pairs of paddle-shaped limbs