Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

proavis

noun
pro·​avis | \ (ˈ)prō¦āvə̇s, -¦äv-\
plural -es

Definition of proavis

: a hypothetical primitive animal intermediate between a reptile and a bird

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for proavis

New Latin, from pro- entry 1 + Latin avis bird

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about proavis

Statistics for proavis

Look-up Popularity

Comments on proavis

What made you want to look up proavis? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

triskaidekaphobia

Listen to the pronounciation of triskaidekaphobia

fear of the number 13

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Where in the World? A Quiz

  • peter bruegel tower of babel painting
  • What language does pajama come from?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games