raptor

American  

[rap-ter, -tawr] / ˈræp tər, -tɔr /

noun

1. a raptorial bird.

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

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raptor British  

/ ˈræptə /

noun

1. another name for bird of prey

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

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raptor Scientific  

/ răp′tər /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of raptor

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

Compare meaning

How does raptor compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• velociraptor vs. raptor

Example Sentences

Condors vanished from the state’s North Coast after the arrival of European settlers, who killed other animals with lead bullets and strychnine — poisoning the raptors that feed on carrion.

From Los Angeles Times

The white-headed raptors would show up in winter to feast on fish when their lakes farther north froze over.

From Los Angeles Times

My room shared a wall with Grandma’s, and she had hearing like a raptor.

From Literature

“We deal with violations regarding raptors and birds of prey on a relative frequency but I haven’t seen anything to this level of disregard for the animal in quite a while.”

From Los Angeles Times

In September, San Bernardino County supervisors approved the 50-home project called Moon Camp despite claims that it will take away valuable foraging areas for the raptors.

From Los Angeles Times