archaeopteryx

[ ahr-kee-op-tuh-riks ]

noun

1. a reptilelike fossil bird of the genus Archaeopteryx, from the late Jurassic Period, having teeth and a long, feathered, vertebrate tail.

archaeopteryx

/ ˌɑːkɪˈɒptərɪks /

noun

1. any of several extinct primitive birds constituting the genus Archaeopteryx, esp A. lithographica, which occurred in Jurassic times and had teeth, a long tail, well-developed wings, and a body covering of feathers

archaeopteryx

/ är′kē-ŏp′tər-ĭks /

1. An extinct primitive bird of the genus Archaeopteryx of the Jurassic Period, having characteristics of both birds and dinosaurs. Like dinosaurs, it had a long, bony tail, claws at the end of its fingers, and teeth. Like birds it had wings and feathers. Many scientists regard it as evidence that birds evolved from small carnivorous dinosaurs.
2. See Note at bird

Word History and Origins

Origin of archaeopteryx¹

1855–60; < New Latin < Greek archaio- archaeo- + ptéryx wing

Word History and Origins

Origin of archaeopteryx¹

C19: from archaeo- + Greek pterux winged creature

Example Sentences

The only form referred to this subclass of extinct birds is Archaeopteryx, the earliest known bird.

From Project Gutenberg

The Ratitae differ from Archaeopteryx and the great majority of Carinatae in being flightless.

From Project Gutenberg

In Archaeopteryx however but five vertebrae take part in the formation of the sacrum.

From Project Gutenberg

In the wing of nearly all birds the ulna is thicker than the radius, but in Archaeopteryx the two bones are equal in size.

From Project Gutenberg

In Archaeopteryx all three bones of the pelvis are distinct, but they are imperfectly known.

From Project Gutenberg