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pterodactyl |
Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Wikipedia, Hutchinson | 0.07 sec. |
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pterodactyl (tĕrədăk`tĭl), popular term for a pterosaur pterosaur (tĕr`əsôr') [Gr., = winged lizard], extinct flying reptile (commonly called pterodactyl [Gr. ..... Click the link for more information. . pterodactylAny member of the pterosaur suborder Pterodactyloidea, known from Late Jurassic and Cretaceous fossils (159–65 million years ago) in eastern Africa and Europe. Members of the typical genus, Pterodactylus, ranged from the size of a sparrow to that of an albatross. Pterodactyls had slender, delicate teeth that were angled forward (possibly for use as straining devices), long metacarpal bones, and a short tail. They were probably able gliders but not efficient as active fliers, and they apparently lacked feathers. Unlike the archaeopteryx, the pterodactyl was not an ancestor of the birds. pterodactyl any extinct flying reptile of the genus Pterodactylus and related genera, having membranous wings supported on an elongated fourth digit How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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The pyramidal rock upon which I saw and shot the pterodactyl was more accessible. The thing appeared to be some variety of pterodactyl, and what with its enormous size and ferocious aspect was most awe-inspiring. By the time the thipdars had disposed of the last of the slaves the Mahars were all asleep upon their rocks, and a moment later the great pterodactyls swung back to their posts beside the queen, and themselves dropped into slumber. |
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