ichthyosaur

noun

ich·​thyo·​saur ˈik-thē-ə-ˌsȯr How to pronounce ichthyosaur (audio)
: any of an order (Ichthyosauria) of extinct marine reptiles of the Mesozoic specialized for aquatic life by a streamlined body with a long snout, limbs reduced to small fins for steering, and a large lunate caudal fin
ichthyosaurian adjective or noun

Examples of ichthyosaur in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The end-Triassic mass extinction was not the end of all ichthyosaurs, though. Jacek Krywko, Ars Technica, 18 Apr. 2024 At the same time that Lomax and his team were confirming the species of ichthyosaur in the U.K., a graduate student in Germany was examining bone fragments from around the world to confirm the internal bone structure of all ichthyosaurs. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2024 During the Rhaetian, gigantic ichthyosaurs swam while dinosaurs walked on land. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 Apr. 2024 Even with their impressive length, Fraser says that the larger ichthyosaurs of the era — massive marine reptiles that once ruled the seas — may have preyed on Dinocephalosaurus. Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 20 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ichthyosaur 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ichthyosaur.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Greek ichthy- + sauros lizard

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ichthyosaur was in 1830

Dictionary Entries Near ichthyosaur

Cite this Entry

“Ichthyosaur.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ichthyosaur. Accessed 30 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

ichthyosaur

noun
ich·​thyo·​saur ˈik-thē-ə-ˌsȯ(ə)r How to pronounce ichthyosaur (audio)
: any of an order of extinct marine reptiles with a fish-shaped body and a long snout

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