The word "iguanodon" is spelled with four syllables: /ɪˈɡwɑː.nə.dɒn/. The first syllable, "ig," is pronounced with a short "i" sound, like in "if." The second syllable, "ua," is pronounced with a "w" sound followed by a long "a" sound, like in "wah." The third syllable, "no," is pronounced with a short "o" sound, like in "on." Finally, the fourth syllable, "don," is pronounced with a short "o" sound followed by an "n" sound, like in "dawn."
Iguanodon is a noun that refers to a large herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the early Cretaceous period, approximately 135 to 125 million years ago. The name "iguanodon" is derived from the Greek words "iguanon" meaning "iguana tooth" and "odontos" meaning "tooth," which accurately describes the distinctive teeth found in the dinosaur's skull.
Iguanodons were bipedal creatures with long, powerful hind legs and shorter, more robust forelimbs. They walked on all fours, but were also capable of standing on their hind legs to reach tall vegetation. These dinosaurs were characterized by their massive thumb spikes, which were believed to be used for self-defense against predators. The thumb spikes, along with their strong jaws and sharp teeth, made iguanodons formidable herbivores.
The average iguanodon was approximately 10 to 13 meters in length and weighed around 3 to 4 tons, although some larger specimens have been discovered. They were known to possess a large, elongated snout with a toothless beak at the tip, similar to modern-day herbivorous reptiles like iguanas.
Iguanodons were among the first dinosaurs to be discovered and described by the scientific community, and their fossils have been found in Europe, North America, and Asia. They played a significant role in shaping our understanding of dinosaur anatomy and behavior, as numerous well-preserved skeletons have been unearthed, providing valuable insights into the world of these ancient reptiles.
In geol., one of the dinosaurs, a colossal lizard-like reptile having teeth resembling those of the iguana.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "iguanodon" has its roots in Greek. It is a combination of the Greek words "iguanon" (meaning iguana) and "odon" (meaning tooth).