a reptilian bird (genus Archaeopteryx) of the Jurassic Period, that had teeth and feathers, a lizardlike tail, and well-developed wings
See archaeopteryx in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(ärˌkē-ŏpˈtər-ĭks)
noun
An extinct primitive bird of the genus Archaeopteryx of the Jurassic Period, having lizardlike characteristics such as teeth and a long bony tail. It may represent a transitional form between dinosaurs and birds.