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saurischian

 - 3 dictionary results

saur⋅is⋅chi⋅an

  [saw-ris-kee-uhn]
Use saurischian in a Sentence
–noun
1. any herbivorous or carnivorous dinosaur of the order Saurischia, having a three-pronged pelvis resembling that of a crocodile. Compare ornithischian.
–adjective
2. belonging or pertaining to the Saurischia.
Origin:
1885–90; < NL Saurischi(a) name of the order (Saur(ia) (see -saur ) + L -ischi(um) ischium + -a -a 1 ) + -an
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To saurischian
saur·is·chi·an   (sô-rĭs'kē-ən)   
n.  A dinosaur of the order Saurischia, having a pelvic girdle similar to that of modern reptiles.
adj.  Of or relating to the order Saurischia.

[From New Latin Saurischia, order name : Greek sauros, lizard + Greek iskhion, hip joint.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Science Dictionary
saurischian   (sô-rĭs'kē-ən)  Pronunciation Key 
Any of various dinosaurs belonging to the group Saurischia, one of the two main divisions of dinosaurs. Saurischians had a pelvis similar to that of modern reptiles, in which the pubis pointed forward. Saurischians include all the carnivorous dinosaurs (theropods) as well as the herbivorous sauropods, and often grew to great size. Birds are descended from one group of saurischians. Compare ornithischian.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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