Sauropterygia

plural noun

Sau·​rop·​te·​ryg·​ia

sȯˌräptəˈrijēə

: an order of Reptilia comprising forms more or less completely adapted to a marine environment and usually including the suborders Nothosauria and Plesiosauria

sauropterygian

⸗¦⸗⸗¦rijēən

adjective or noun

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from saur- + pteryg- + -ia

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!