pterosaur

noun

ptero·​saur ˈter-ə-ˌsȯr 

: any of an order (Pterosauria) of extinct flying reptiles existing from the Late Triassic throughout the Jurassic and most of the Cretaceous and having a featherless wing membrane extending from the side of the body along the arm to the end of the greatly elongated fourth digit

Examples of pterosaur in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

What’s the difference between a pteranodon, a pterodactyl, and a pterosaur? —Hannah Silverman, Parents, 11 June 2025

There is currently little evidence of predators that consumed pterosaurs. —Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 23 Jan. 2025

Further laser scanning may also bring out other characteristics important to pterosaur flight. —Elizabeth Landau, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025

Among the most significant mysteries of the end-Triassic extinction, however, is why dinosaurs and pterosaurs fared so much better than so many of their reptilian neighbors. —Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Pterosauria, from Greek pteron wing + sauros lizard

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pterosaur

• albacore
• alongshore
• antiwar
• anymore
• blastopore
• carnivore
• commodore
• dinosaur
• evermore
• furthermore
• guarantor
• herbivore

Kids Definition

pterosaur

noun

ptero·​saur ˈter-ə-ˌsȯ(ə)r 

: pterodactyl