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Pterodactyl: meaning, definitions and examples

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pterodactyl

 

[ ˌtɛrəˈdæktɪl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

prehistoric creature

A pterodactyl is a term commonly used to refer to a group of flying reptiles known as pterosaurs, which lived during the late Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Pterodactyl, specifically, refers to the genus Pterodactylus, characterized by its elongated wings and beak-like jaws filled with sharp teeth. These creatures were not dinosaurs but rather flying reptiles that could glide through the air using their large wings, which were formed by a membrane stretched between their elongated fourth fingers. Pterodactyls are often depicted as having a crest on their heads, and their wingspan could reach up to 30 feet, making them one of the largest flying animals of their time.

Synonyms

flying reptile, pterosaur, winged dinosaur

Examples of usage

  • Pterodactyls soared through the skies millions of years ago.
  • Many fossils of pterodactyls have been found in Europe.
  • Children are fascinated by pterodactyls and other prehistoric creatures.
  • The pterodactyl used its large wings to catch fish while flying over water.

Translations

Translations of the word "pterodactyl" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pterodáctilo

🇮🇳 प्टेरोडैक्टिल

🇩🇪 Flugsaurier

🇮🇩 pterodactyl

🇺🇦 птеродактиль

🇵🇱 pterodaktyl

🇯🇵 プテラノドン

🇫🇷 ptérodactyle

🇪🇸 pterodáctilo

🇹🇷 pterodaktil

🇰🇷 프테로닥틸

🇸🇦 بتروداكتيل

🇨🇿 pterodaktyl

🇸🇰 pterodaktyl

🇨🇳 翼龙

🇸🇮 pterodaktil

🇮🇸 pterodactyl

🇰🇿 птеродактиль

🇬🇪 პტეროდაქტილი

🇦🇿 pterodactyl

🇲🇽 pterodáctilo

Etymology

The term 'pterodactyl' is derived from the Greek words 'pteron,' meaning 'wing,' and 'daktylos,' meaning 'finger.' This reflects the unique anatomical structure of these flying reptiles, where their wings were formed by a membrane extending from the body to the elongated fingers. The word was first introduced in the early 19th century when paleontologists began to classify and describe the remains of these prehistoric animals. Initially, the term was used interchangeably with 'pterosaur,' but over time, 'pterodactyl' has become more commonly associated with a specific genus within the larger group of pterosaurs. The fascination with pterodactyls has persisted through popular culture and education, shedding light on their diversity and role in the prehistoric ecosystems of the Mesozoic era.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,320, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.