theropod

noun

the·​ro·​pod ˈthir-ə-ˌpäd How to pronounce theropod (audio)
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.

Examples of theropod in a Sentence

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Since theropods are exceptionally rare at the site, Brockhurst has only found 10 or so specimens in the area over three decades. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 5 Dec. 2024 Both belong to a group of dinosaurs known as theropods, a clade characterized by hollow bones and three-toed limbs. Scott Travers, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 Many theropods, including close relatives of T. rex like Yutyrannus huali, sported feathers—a feature initially used for insulation or display rather than flight. Scott Travers, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 There are sauropod tracks, and footprints from theropods, mainly the Acrocanthosaurus, which left three-toed prints. Tasha Tsiaperas, Axios, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for theropod 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Theropoda, from Greek thēr wild animal + pod-, pous foot — more at fierce, foot

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of theropod was in 1883

Dictionary Entries Near theropod

Cite this Entry

“Theropod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theropod. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

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