ornithischian

noun

or·​nith·​is·​chi·​an ˌȯr-nə-ˈthi-skē-ən How to pronounce ornithischian (audio)
: 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
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Most of the fossilized prints were created by three-toed theropod dinosaurs, while a few likely belonged to lumbering four-legged sauropods with long necks and tails or ornithischians, which had pelvic structures similar to birds. Katie Hunt, CNN, 31 Aug. 2024 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 Early sauropods, ornithischians, and theropods all tended to stay in these regions. 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 The dinosaur, first described in 2015 as a bizarre, herbivorous theropod, is actually a primitive ornithischian, according to the study — a placement that would strengthen the authors’ argument for rewriting the entire family tree. Jon Tennant, Discover Magazine, 23 Jan. 2018

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Ornithischia, from ornith- + ischium

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ornithischian was in 1888

Dictionary Entries Near ornithischian

Cite this Entry

“Ornithischian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ornithischian. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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