Deinotheriidae is a family name used to classify a group of prehistoric animals related to the modern-day elephants. While there aren't many synonyms for this term, there are a few alternative names that are sometimes used to describe these creatures. For example, some researchers refer to these animals as "giraffoid" elephants because of their long necks and certain anatomical similarities to giraffes. Other terms used to describe Deinotheriidae include "hoe-tusked" elephants, due to the shape of their distinctive downward-curving tusks, and "shovel-tusked" elephants, because their incisors were shaped like shovels. Despite their intimidating appearance, these ancient creatures are now extinct, and only fossils remain as evidence of their once-thriving lineage.