pterodactyl

views updated May 18 2018

pter·o·dac·tyl / ˌterəˈdaktəl/ • n. a pterosaur (Pterodactylus and other genera, family Pterodactylidae) of the late Jurassic period, with a long slender head and neck and a very short tail. ∎  (in general use) any pterosaur.

pterodactyl

views updated Jun 11 2018

pterodactyl Any of several species of small pterosaur. Now extinct, pterosaurs were flying reptiles distributed worldwide in Jurassic and Cretaceous times. Pterodactyls were almost tail-less, with large toothed beaks and flimsy membranous wings. Fossil remains show a lack of muscular development and the absence of a breast keel. It is therefore believed that pterodactyls were gliders, incapable of sustained flapping flight.

pterodactyl

views updated Jun 11 2018

pterodactyl extinct winged reptile. XIX. f. Gr. pterón wing + dáktulos finger.