1. A reptile having two temporal openings on each side of the skull, including most modern reptiles such as lizards, snakes, crocodilians, and tuatara.
Usage: zoology; paleontology

1. Of or relating to a diapsid; characterized by two temporal openings in the skull.
Usage: zoology; paleontology

Examples

• Lizards are diapsids with two openings behind each eye socket.
• The diapsid skull structure is a key feature used to classify modern reptiles.
• Snakes evolved from diapsid ancestors millions of years ago.
• Crocodilians are among the most successful diapsids alive today.
• Paleontologists study diapsid fossils to understand reptile evolution.
• The tuatara is a living diapsid that has remained relatively unchanged for centuries.