archaeopteryx
noun
Meaning
A genus of bird-like dinosaurs from the Late Jurassic period, characterized by wings, feathers, and a long bony tail.
Examples
- The discovery of the first Archaeopteryx fossil in Germany provided crucial evidence for Darwin's theory of evolution.
- Unlike modern birds, the Archaeopteryx possessed sharp teeth and a skeleton similar to that of a small theropod dinosaur.
Synonyms: dinosaur, fossil, avian, theropod