theropod
noun
the·ro·pod
ˈthir-ə-ˌpäd 
plural theropods
: any of a suborder (Theropoda) of carnivorous, bipedal, saurischian dinosaurs (such as a tyrannosaur or velociraptor) having hollow, thin-walled bones and usually small forelimbs
Note: Birds are descended from one lineage of small theropods.
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Rowe and Rayfield used 3D technologies, including CT and surface scans, to analyze skull mechanics, quantify feeding performance, and measure bite strength across 18 species of theropod, according to a press release.
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Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2025
According to Buntin, the theropods’ steps can be deciphered, thanks to the tracks’ shape, orientation, and organization.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 27 June 2025
The fossils suggest that modern-Victoria’s ancient ecosystem was dominated by these powerful theropods.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 19 Feb. 2025
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Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2025
According to Buntin, the theropods’ steps can be deciphered, thanks to the tracks’ shape, orientation, and organization.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 27 June 2025
The fossils suggest that modern-Victoria’s ancient ecosystem was dominated by these powerful theropods.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theropod
Cite this Entry
“Theropod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theropod. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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