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velociraptor

[ vuh-los-uh-rap-ter, ‐tawr ]
/ vəˈlɒs əˌræp tər, ‐tɔr /

noun

a small carnivorous dinosaur of the genus Velociraptor, from the late Cretaceous period, capable of leaping, and growing to a length of about 6 feet (2 meters), having feathers, a flat snout, short forelimbs with large handlike talons, and a large sickle-shaped claw on each foot.

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Nearby words

  1. velma,
  2. velo binding,
  3. veloce,
  4. velocimeter,
  5. velocipede,
  6. velocity,
  7. velocity head,
  8. velocity microphone,
  9. velocity modulation,
  10. velocity of circulation

Origin of velociraptor

1920–25; < New Latin, equivalent to veloci-, stem of vēlox “swift, quick” + raptor
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Word Origin and History for velociraptor

velociraptor

n.

1924, from Latin velox (genitive velocis) "swift" (see velocity) + raptor "robber" (see raptor).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Science definitions for velociraptor

velociraptor

[ və-lŏs′ə-răp′tər ]

A small, fast, carnivorous dinosaur of the genus Velociraptor of the Cretaceous Period that was about 2 m (6.5 ft) in length. It had long curved claws for grasping and tearing at prey, walked on two legs that were adapted for leaping, and had a long stiff tail used as a counterweight. Velociraptors were a kind of raptor.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.