raptor

[rap-ter, -tawr]

noun

1. a raptorial bird.

2. Informal.,  a velociraptor or other small dinosaur with similar characteristics.

raptor

/ ˈræptə /

noun

1. another name for bird of prey

2. informal,  a carnivorous bipedal dinosaur of the late Cretaceous period

raptor

1. A bird of prey, such as a hawk, eagle, or owl.

2. Any of various mostly small, slender, carnivorous dinosaurs of the Cretaceous Period. Raptors had hind legs that were adapted for leaping and large, curved claws used for grasping and tearing at prey. Raptors were probably related to birds, and some even had feathers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of raptor¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English raptour “ravener; plunderer; bird of prey,” from Latin raptor “robber, ravager,” equivalent to rap(ere) “to seize by force, plunder” + -tor agent suffix; rape ¹ -tor

Word History and Origins

Origin of raptor¹

C17: from Latin: plunderer, from rapere to take by force

Example Sentences

“The birds that would have a safe haven in that spring or be hidden away from raptors and predators overhead don’t have that opportunity anymore,” McQuilkin said.

From Los Angeles Times

The Harris’s hawks, also known as bay-winged hawks, are large, lanky raptors that breed in the southwestern U.S. and throughout South America.

From Los Angeles Times

The trained birds are Harris’s hawks, also known as the bay-winged hawk, large and lanky raptors that breed from the southwestern United States and throughout South America.

From Los Angeles Times

Big Bear’s beloved eagle couple Jackie and Shadow could be getting dozens of new neighbors, ruffling the feathers of advocates who say it will disturb the endangered raptors.

From Los Angeles Times

The juvenile then flew off to Jackie and Shadow’s nest in a Jeffrey pine tree overlooking Big Bear Lake, where a camera offered a closer view of the raptor.

From Los Angeles Times