raptor

rap·tor

noun \ˈrap-tər, -ˌtȯr\

Definition of RAPTOR

1

: bird of prey

2

[New Latin -raptor (as in velociraptor)] : a usually small-to-medium-sized predatory dinosaur (as a velociraptor or deinonychus)

Origin of RAPTOR

New Latin Raptores, former order name, from Latin, plural of raptor plunderer, from rapere

First Known Use: 1873

Rhymes with RAPTOR

captor, chapter

raptor

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

In general, any bird of prey, including owls. The raptors are sometimes restricted to eagles, falcons, hawks, and vultures (birds of the order Falconiformes), all diurnal predators that “seize and carry off” (Latin raptare) their prey.