plesiosaurus

noun

ple·​si·​o·​sau·​rus
ˌplēsēəˈsȯrəs
1
capitalized : a genus of marine reptiles (suborder Plesiosauria) of the Mesozoic of Europe and North America having a very long neck, a small head, and all four limbs developed as paddles for swimming
2
plural plesiosauri
-ȯˌrī
: any reptile of the genus Plesiosaurus

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from plesi- + -saurus

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!

Dictionary Entries Near plesiosaurus

Cite this Entry

“Plesiosaurus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plesiosaurus. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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