What is "acrodont"

Acrodont \Ac"ro*dont\, n. [Gr. 'a`kros summit + 'odoy`s, 'odo`ntos, a tooth.] (Zo["o]l.) One of a group of lizards having the teeth immovably united to the top of the alveolar ridge. -- a. Of or pertaining to the acrodonts.

a. having teeth immovably united to the top of the alveolar ridge n. One of a group of lizards having the teeth immovably united to the top of the alveolar ridge

n. an animal having teeth consolidated with the summit of the alveolar ridge without sockets

Acrodont is a formation of the teeth whereby the teeth are consolidated with the summit of the alveolar ridge of the jaw without sockets. The term also refers to species of reptiles that have such a formation. This formation is common in the order Squamata, with the only other teeth formation in this order being pleurodont. Acrodontal tooth attachment can also be seen in many teleosts and Sphenodons (tuatara).