ichthyosaur

noun

ich·​thyo·​saur ˈik-thē-ə-ˌsȯr 

: any of an order (Ichthyosauria) of extinct marine reptiles of the Mesozoic specialized for aquatic life by a streamlined body with a long snout, limbs reduced to small fins for steering, and a large lunate caudal fin

ichthyosaurian

ˌik-thē-ə-ˈsȯr-ē-ən 

adjective or noun

Examples of ichthyosaur in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As a young scientist in training, Fischer started with the extinction of ichthyosaurs. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 2 May 2025

Finding a plesiosaur fossil is rare compared to other fossilized marine reptiles from that time, like ichthyosaurs. —Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025

It was found that the tail skin was smooth and streamlined, much like the skin of other prehistoric marine reptiles such as the ichthyosaurs. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 7 Feb. 2025

That award goes to 160-million-year-old ichthyosaur vomit discovered in England in 2002, according to Guinness World Records. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Greek ichthy- + sauros lizard

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ichthyosaur

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

Kids Definition

ichthyosaur

noun

ich·​thyo·​saur ˈik-thē-ə-ˌsȯ(ə)r 

: any of an order of extinct marine reptiles with a fish-shaped body and a long snout