Brontosaurus: meaning, definitions and examples

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Brontosaurus

 

[ ˌbrɒntəˈsɔːrəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

paleontology, dinosaur

The Brontosaurus, meaning 'thunder lizard', is a large, long-necked dinosaur that lived during the late Jurassic period. It is known for its massive size and long tail, and it is often depicted in a herbivorous lifestyle, feeding on vegetation. Its scientific classification has been controversial, as it was once believed to be a species of Apatosaurus.

Synonyms

Apatosaurus (historical confusion), thunder lizard

Examples of usage

  • The Brontosaurus roamed the earth millions of years ago.
  • Paleontologists discovered a fossil believed to be of a Brontosaurus.
  • In popular culture, the Brontosaurus is often portrayed in movies and books.

Word origin

The name 'Brontosaurus' was first coined in 1879 by the paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh, derived from the Greek words 'bronte' meaning thunder and 'sauros' meaning lizard. This dinosaur was initially discovered from incomplete remains and was then thought to belong to the Apatosaurus genus. For many years, the Brontosaurus was considered a misnomer and synonymous with Apatosaurus after it was determined they were the same dinosaur. However, further studies in the 21st century revived the distinction, suggesting that Brontosaurus may indeed be a separate genus. This ongoing debate in paleontology highlights the complexity of dinosaur classification based on fossil evidence and morphological traits.