ANUROUS
A*nu"rous, a. (Zoöl.)

Defn: Destitute of a tail, as the frogs and toads. [Also written anourous.]

ANURY
An"u*ry, n. Etym: [Gr. (Med.)

Defn: Nonsecretion or defective secretion of urine; ischury.

ANUS
A"nus, n. Etym: [L., prob. for asnus: cf. Gr. as.] (Anat.)

Defn: The posterior opening of the alimentary canal, through which the excrements are expelled.

ANVIL An"vil, n. Etym: [OE. anvelt, anfelt, anefelt, AS. anfilt, onfilt; of uncertain origin; cf. OHG. anafalz, D. aanbeld.]

1. An iron block, usually with a steel face, upon which metals are hammered and shaped.

2. Anything resembling an anvil in shape or use. Specifically (Anat.),

Defn: the incus. See Incus. To be on the anvil, to be in a state of discussion, formation, or preparation, as when a scheme or measure is forming, but not matured. Swift.