pteranodon

[ tuh-ran-uh-don ]

noun

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

pteranodon

/ tə-răn′ə-dŏn′ /

1. 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).

Word History and Origins

Origin of pteranodon¹

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

Example Sentences

That finding is the latest salvo in an ongoing challenge to the prevailing view that all dinosaurs were land-based animals that left the realms of water and air to marine reptiles such as Mosasaurus and flying reptiles such as Pteranodon.

From Science News

The scalding fingers of steam just missed its target, but fortunately served to sting the descending pteranodon.

From Project Gutenberg

However, I am merely defending the pteranodon's survival as an interesting possibility.

From Project Gutenberg

Now, conceive the pteranodon to be on the cliff's edge, about to start upon its evening flight.

From Project Gutenberg

"That the pteranodon still exists is by no means impossible," said Professor Ravenden.

From Project Gutenberg

With another metallic cry, the pteranodon increased its speed in a wide, dropping curve.

From Project Gutenberg