pterodactyl

/,pterou'dæktil/

Thân thiện

A child points at a pterodactyl skeleton in a museum.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • An extinct flying reptile: A pterodactyl is a type of prehistoric flying reptile that lived during the time of the dinosaurs. It is characterized by its wings, which were formed by a membrane of skin stretching from its elongated fourth finger to its body.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The museum's fossil exhibit features a complete skeleton of a pterodactyl.
  • Scientists study pterodactyl fossils to understand more about prehistoric life.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific context: The term "pterodactyl" is often used informally to refer to any member of the broader group Pterosauria, though scientifically it more precisely refers to members of the genus .
  • In popular culture, pterodactyls are often depicted soaring over dinosaurs.

Variants and Related Words

• Pterosaur (n): The broader scientific order of extinct flying reptiles that includes pterodactyls.
  • Pterosaurs were the first vertebrates to evolve powered flight.

Synonyms

• Flying reptile: A general descriptive term.
• Pterosaur: The more precise scientific group name.

Học thuật

Noun

1. extinct flying reptile