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
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This anatomy features a lower jaw with teeth that protrude out between the upper set—a trait previously only seen in flying pterosaurs, marine ichthyosaurs, and semiaquatic crocodilian predators.
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Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 19 Feb. 2026
The analyses also showed that pterosaurs had modest brain sizes, much smaller than those of birds, suggesting that a large brain is not necessary for flight itself.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Nov. 2025
The regurgitalite offers evidence of pterosaurs serving as prey to larger dinosaurs.
—Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025
We’re stuck with it, though, so might as well go with the pterosaur flow.
—Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025
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Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 19 Feb. 2026
The analyses also showed that pterosaurs had modest brain sizes, much smaller than those of birds, suggesting that a large brain is not necessary for flight itself.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Nov. 2025
The regurgitalite offers evidence of pterosaurs serving as prey to larger dinosaurs.
—Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025
We’re stuck with it, though, so might as well go with the pterosaur flow.
—Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pterosaur
Cite this Entry
“Pterosaur.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pterosaur. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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pterosaur
noun
ptero·saur
ˈter-ə-ˌsȯ(ə)r
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