Basilosaurus

American  

[bas-uh-luh-sawr-uhs] / ˌbæs ə ləˈsɔr əs /

noun

1. a genus of large prehistoric whales of the Eocene period whose fossil remains have been found mainly in North America, having a slender body, vestigial hind limbs, and bony external ear canals.

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Other Word Forms

• Basilosauruses
  noun

Example Sentences

In 1842, a vast, nearly intact skeleton was unearthed on a plantation in Alabama; it was soon identified as a member of Basilosaurus, a recently named genus of prehistoric sea serpent.

From New York Times • Sep. 25, 2023

Basilosaurus, however, was an active predator boasting a streamlined body, powerful jaws and large teeth.

From Reuters • Aug. 2, 2023

Skeletal traits indicate Perucetus was related to Basilosaurus, another early whale that was similar in length but less massive.

From Reuters • Aug. 2, 2023

Basilosaurus means "king lizard," although the animal was not a reptile, though its long body might have moved like a giant snake.

From Reuters • Mar. 18, 2022