noun
- bones or scales located in front of the frontal bones, especially in reptiles and some other vertebrates
Usage: anatomy; zoology
Examples
- The snake’s prefrontals are clearly visible between the eyes and snout.
- Reptile identification often relies on counting the prefrontals and other head scales.
- The prefrontals in this lizard species are unusually large and prominent.
- Anatomists study the prefrontals to understand skull development in vertebrates.
- The prefrontals help protect the front portion of the skull in many reptiles.