ornithischian

noun

or·​nith·​is·​chi·​an ˌȯr-nə-ˈthi-skē-ən 

: any of an order (Ornithischia) of herbivorous dinosaurs (such as a stegosaurus) that have the pubis of the pelvis rotated backward to a position parallel and close to the ischium compare saurischian

ornithischian adjective

Examples of ornithischian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Neither did ornithischians, one of the three major groups of dinosaurs alongside theropods and sauropods. — Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 19 Apr. 2025

In turn, theropods and ornithischians may have developed the ability to generate their own body heat millions of years ago. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 23 Jan. 2025

The theropods and ornithischians that escaped the effects of the Jenkyns event may have had a key adaptation to cooler climes; many dinosaurs from these groups are now thought to have been feathered. — Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 28 May 2024

Previous work had uncovered evidence of warm-bloodedness in both theropods and ornithischians, such as feathers that trap body heat, according to the university’s statement. — Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Ornithischia, from ornith- + ischium

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ornithischian

• christian
• unchristian