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 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

But there is a chance it could take longer to heal, in which case the raptor’s stint in captivity may be too long for it to successfully reintegrate into nature.

From Los Angeles Times

The raptor, dark brown with bright white spots, prefers old-growth forests.

From Los Angeles Times

I hang a black raptor silhouette in the middle square, but that does not deter him.

From Salon

But barred owls are more aggressive and slightly larger, in addition to being more generalist when it comes to what they’ll eat and where they’ll live, allowing them to muscle out their fellow raptors.

From Los Angeles Times