ichthyosaur

noun

ich·​thyo·​saur ˈik-thē-ə-ˌsȯr How to pronounce ichthyosaur (audio)
: any of an order (Ichthyosauria) of extinct marine reptiles of the Mesozoic specialized for aquatic life by a streamlined body with a long snout, limbs reduced to small fins for steering, and a large lunate caudal fin
ichthyosaurian adjective or noun

Examples of ichthyosaur in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Several groups of dolphin-like ichthyosaurs also died out. Howard Lee, Ars Technica, 8 Feb. 2023 Stomach contents reveal a regular diet of cephalopods, but some also include sharks, fish, turtles, ichthyosaurs, other marine reptiles, and even dinosaur dermal scutes. Jeanne Timmons, Ars Technica, 23 Mar. 2023 The ichthyosaurs harvest huge numbers of small squid. Robert Baker, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2019 In the ecological shakeup that followed, competing predators such as the fish-like ichthyosaur and ancient marine crocodile relatives suffered while the pliosaur prospered and diversified. Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 21 Nov. 2023 Pterosaurs took to the skies, while ichthyosaurs flourished in the oceans. Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 20 Sep. 2023 In 1830, Pioneering paleontologist Henry De la Beche even made a lithograph of this scenario that showed an ichthyosaur chomping onto a long-necked, water-dwelling plesiosaur that resembles a Tanystropheus. Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 21 June 2023 The non-destructive method also meant scientists could keep the ichthyosaur fossil intact, while still gleaning important insights. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 June 2023 Because the barite gave the ichthyosaur’s bones a bright glow, the team was able to observe anatomical features that had been overlooked or obscured. Jack Tamisiea, New York Times, 1 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ichthyosaur.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Greek ichthy- + sauros lizard

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ichthyosaur was in 1830

Dictionary Entries Near ichthyosaur

Cite this Entry

“Ichthyosaur.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ichthyosaur. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

ichthyosaur

noun
ich·​thyo·​saur ˈik-thē-ə-ˌsȯ(ə)r How to pronounce ichthyosaur (audio)
: any of an order of extinct marine reptiles with a fish-shaped body and a long snout

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