mammal-like reptile

Noun

 * 1)  Any basal member of the, related to the mammals but superficially resembling reptiles.
 * 2) * 1966 — Alfred S. Romer, Vertebrate Paleontology, 3rd ed.; ch 14, p 173
 * The mammal-like reptiles, constituting the subclass Synapsida, were among the earliest to appear of known reptilian groups and had passed the peak of their career before the first dinosaur appeared on the earth.
 * 1) * 1997 — Michael J. Benton, Vertebrate Paleontology, 2nd ed.; ch 5, p 109
 * : amniotes with one lower temporal fenestra, surrounded by the postorbital, jugal and squamosal. Includes the extinct mammal-like reptiles and the mammals.

Usage notes
This term has fallen out of favor among paleontologists, who now classify the mammals within the. The term “basal synapsids” is preferred by cladists.