Mosasaurus

noun

Mo·​sa·​sau·​rus
: a genus (the type of the family Mosasauridae) of large extinct aquatic Cretaceous fish-eating lizards related to the recent monitors but having the limbs modified into swimming paddles

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin Mosa the river Meuse (near which the first known species was discovered) + New Latin -saurus

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Mosasaurus

Cite this Entry

“Mosasaurus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Mosasaurus. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!