Archosauria

plural noun

Ar·​cho·​sau·​ria

ˌär-kə-ˈsȯr-ē-ə

: a large subclass of Reptilia comprising the dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and crocodilians all distinguished by possessing temporal openings separated from each other by a postorbitosquamosal arch

archosaurian

¦ar-kə-¦sȯr-ē-ən 

adjective or noun

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from archo- (from Greek archōn) + -sauria

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now