PTERODACTYLOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Pterodactylous is an adjective derived from the word "pterosaur," which refers to a group of extinct flying reptiles that existed during the Mesozoic Era. Specifically, this term is used to describe the skeletal structure or characteristics of these ancient flying creatures.
Pterodactylous means having the anatomical features or adaptations similar to those possessed by pterosaurs. These adaptations typically include a lightweight yet robust and elongated body, a keeled breastbone to support the wing muscles, long wings formed by a membrane of skin stretched between elongated finger bones, and a specialized bone structure in the wrist that provides flexibility for wing movement.
The term pterodactylous is often employed by paleontologists and scientists to describe the aerial capabilities and flight adaptations of pterosaurs. The word can also be extended to describe any flying reptile or animal that shares similar features to those exhibited by pterosaurs. Although pterosaurs were not dinosaurs themselves, they are often associated with the dinosaur era due to their coexistence and dominance during the Mesozoic Era. Overall, pterodactylous denotes the unique adaptations and structures that allowed pterosaurs to be skilled and successful aerial creatures.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PTERODACTYLOUS
- pterodactylos
- oterodactylous
- lterodactylous
- -terodactylous
- 0terodactylous
- prerodactylous
- pferodactylous
- pgerodactylous
- pyerodactylous
- p6erodactylous
- p5erodactylous
- ptwrodactylous
- ptsrodactylous
- ptdrodactylous
- ptrrodactylous
- pt4rodactylous
- pt3rodactylous
- pteeodactylous
- ptedodactylous
- ptefodactylous
Etymology of PTERODACTYLOUS
The word "pterodactylous" is derived from combining two Greek roots: "ptero" meaning wing and "dactylos" meaning finger or toe. "Ptero" is related to the word "pteron" which means feather or wing, and "dactylos" is related to the word "daktylos" which means finger or toe. Thus, "pterodactylous" essentially means "winged finger/toe". It is used to describe creatures that have wing-like appendages attached to their fingers or toes, such as pterosaurs, an extinct group of flying reptiles.
