Definition

Noun: 1. A large, herbivorous, ceratopsian dinosaur: A type of dinosaur characterized by having three horns on its face (one on the nose and two above the eyes) and a large, bony frill extending from the back of its skull to protect its neck.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The triceratops used its massive frill for defense against predators.
  • Children are often fascinated by the three horns of the triceratops.
  • Fossils show that the triceratops was a common herbivore in its ecosystem.

Advanced Usage

• In paleontological context: The name is often used to discuss the anatomy, behavior, or fossil record of this specific genus.
  • The study focused on the growth stages of Triceratops horridus.

Variants and Related Words

• Ceratopsian (noun): A member of the broader family of horned, frilled dinosaurs to which belongs.
• Frill (noun): The broad, bony shield at the back of the skull, a defining feature of the triceratops.

Synonyms

• Horned dinosaur (general term for ceratopsians)

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically refers to a genus of dinosaur, not all dinosaurs with horns. Its defining features are the combination of three prominent facial horns and a very solid, non-fenestrated (without large openings) neck frill.

Noun

1. huge ceratopsian dinosaur having three horns and the neck heavily armored with a very solid frill