pteranodon

[ tuh-ran-uh-don ]

/ təˈræn əˌdɒn /

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noun

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

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Origin of pteranodon

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

Words nearby pteranodon

PT boat, PTC, PTCA, Pte, pter-, pteranodon, pteridine, pterido-, pteridology, pteridophyte, pteridosperm

How to use pteranodon in a sentence

The scalding fingers of steam just missed its target, but fortunately served to sting the descending pteranodon.
Astounding Stories, March, 1931|Various
However, I am merely defending the pteranodon's survival as an interesting possibility.
The Flying Death|Samuel Hopkins Adams
Now, conceive the pteranodon to be on the cliff's edge, about to start upon its evening flight.
The Flying Death|Samuel Hopkins Adams
"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

Scientific 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).