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theropod Definition

the·ro·pod (t̸hir′ə päd′)

noun

any of a suborder (Theropoda) of flesh-eating saurischian dinosaurs that walked mainly on the hind legs

Etymology: < ModL Theropoda < Gr thēr, a wild beast (see fierce) + -poda

theropod Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

  • small: From the large lumbering herbivorous sauropods to the small nippy carnivorous theropods, Skye has a number of record-breaking dinosaurs.
  • large: There were large theropods and there were LARGE theropods.
  • other: Unlike other theropods, these animals may have been omnivorous or perhaps even herbivorous.

Modifies a noun

  • dinosaur: The Liaoning fauna has given us a unique glimpse into a world where a variety of feathery, theropod dinosaurs lived side by side.