noun
dinosaur
DEYE-nuh-saw
noun
1
One of the large reptiles that dominated the land during the Mesozoic Era, long before humans existed.
"Fossilized dinosaur footprints were discovered near the riverbank."
"Children love learning about how big some dinosaurs were."
2
A person, institution, or idea that is outdated and resistant to change.
"Critics called the company a dinosaur for refusing to modernize."
How to Use Dinosaur
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn ancient extinct reptile — or, figuratively, something hopelessly out of date.
Common pairings
dinosaur bones
dinosaur fossil
extinct dinosaur
corporate dinosaur
Word Forms
dinosaurs plural
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Fossilized _____ footprints were discovered near the riverbank.
Etymology
Coined in 1841-42 by the paleontologist Richard Owen from Greek roots meaning "terrible" and "lizard."