raptor

- 3 dictionary results

rap⋅tor

[rap-ter, -tawr]

–noun

a raptorial bird.

Origin:
1600–10; < L raptor one who seizes by force, robber, equiv. to rap(ere) (see rape ¹ ) + -tor -tor

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source

rap·tor (rāp'tər)

n. A bird of prey.

[Latin, one who seizes, from rapere, to seize; see rapt.]

Science Dictionary

raptor (rāp'tər) Pronunciation Key

A bird of prey, such as a hawk, eagle, or owl.
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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