triceratops

noun

tri·​cer·​a·​tops (ˌ)trī-ˈser-ə-ˌtäps 

plural triceratops also triceratopses (ˌ)trī-ˈser-ə-ˌtäp-səz 

: any of a genus (Triceratops) of large herbivorous quadrupedal ceratopsian dinosaurs of the Late Cretaceous with three horns, a bony hood or crest on the neck, and hoofed toes

Did you know?

The name triceratops, meaning literally "three-horned face", refers to the two horns above its eyes and the smaller third horn on its snout. Just as striking was the frilled hood or ruff that rose behind its head, though no one is quite sure what it was for. The triceratops was one of the last dinosaurs to evolve and also one of the last to become extinct. It could reach lengths of 30 feet and could stand nearly eight feet high. Despite its ferocious looks and three-foot-long horns, the triceratops was actually a vegetarian.

Examples of triceratops in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

David Howe, owner of T-Rexplorers Dinosaur Discovery, presented fossils and items such as a triceratops vertebra. —Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2023

That layer captured the aftermath of an event 66 million years ago, when something caused a mass extinction, slaying 75 percent of the species on the planet, including T. rex and triceratops. —Sarah Scoles, Discover Magazine, 27 July 2016

During this time, the ceratopsidae family had the greatest number of species, including the triceratops. —Breanna Draxler, Discover Magazine, 17 July 2013

In it, one of his nephews petted the triceratops while the dinosaur chomped on Nalley’s lifeless arm. —Jonathan Edwards, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2022

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from tri- + Greek kerat-, keras horn + ōps face — more at horn, eye

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

triceratops

noun

tri·​cer·​a·​tops (ˈ)trī-ˈser-ə-ˌtäps 

: any of a genus of large plant-eating 4-footed Cretaceous dinosaurs with three horns, a bony hood or crest on the neck, and hoofed toes