ˌtektōˈspändəˌlī noun plural
Usage: capitalized
Etymology: New Latin, probably from Latin tectum roof + New Latin -o- + -spondyli
in some classifications : an order or other division of elasmobranch fishes typically having tectospondylic vertebrae and comprising the spiny dogfishes and related forms and the angelfish (genus Squatina ) and formerly also the rays and sawfishes — compare batoidei , cyclospondyli