pteranodon

[ tuh-ran-uh-don ]

/ təˈræn əˌdɒn /

noun

a flying reptile of the extinct order Pterosauria, from the Cretaceous Period, having a wingspread of about 25 feet (8 meters).

Nearby words

ptarmigan, ptc, ptca, pte, pter-, pteranodon, pteridine, pterido-, pteridology, pteridophyte, pteridosperm

Origin of pteranodon

< New Latin, equivalent to pter- pter- + Greek anódōn toothless (see an-¹, -odont)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for pteranodon

"That the pteranodon still exists is by no means impossible," said Professor Ravenden.
The Flying Death|Samuel Hopkins Adams
With another metallic cry, the pteranodon increased its speed in a wide, dropping curve.
The Flying Death|Samuel Hopkins Adams
However, I am merely defending the pteranodon's survival as an interesting possibility.
The Flying Death|Samuel Hopkins Adams
Whispers of the professor's pteranodon theory had passed about.
The Flying Death|Samuel Hopkins Adams

The pteranodon rose, sounding its raucous croak as if in mockery.
The Flying Death|Samuel Hopkins Adams

Science definitions for pteranodon

pteranodon

[ tə-răn′ə-dŏn′ ]

Any of several very large, extinct flying reptiles (pterosaurs) of the genus Pteranodon of the Cretaceous Period. Pteranodon had a long pointed crest on its head, no teeth, a very short tail, and a wingspan upwards of 9 m (30 ft).