archaeopteryx

American  

[ahr-kee-op-tuh-riks] / ˌɑr kiˈɒp tə rɪks /

noun

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

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archaeopteryx British  

/ 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

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archaeopteryx Scientific  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of archaeopteryx

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

Example Sentences

Earlier this month, researchers declared that the first-ever dinosaur feather discovered does indeed belong to the archaeopteryx, putting an end to a controversy that has waged within the scientific community for more than 100 years.

From Fox News

After overlaying an outline of the 1861 feather atop a fossil archaeopteryx wing, the team also found that the feather fits onto the wing perfectly.

From New York Times

The research compared the feather, discovered in 1861, with the fossilized remains of other archaeopteryx feathers.

From Fox News

A hoatzin, a primitive bird like a living archaeopteryx, called in the distance as we baited hand-lines with — what else? — gristly chunks of local beef.

From New York Times

The archaeopteryx was discovered in Germany encased in limestone in 1861.

From Washington Times