Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
saurus
Noun
/ˈsɔːrəs/
Definition
A suffix used in the names of reptiles, especially dinosaurs, originating from the Greek word ‘sauros’ meaning lizard or reptile.
Examples
The word ‘dinosaur’ is derived from the Greek words ‘deinos’ meaning terrible and ‘sauros’ meaning lizard, collectively meaning ‘terrible lizard.’
‘Tyrannosaurus rex’ is one of the most famous dinosaurs, with ‘saurus’ indicating its reptilian nature.
Meaning
In zoological and paleontological contexts, ‘saurus’ denotes a lizard or a dinosaur, often used to describe various genera of extinct reptiles.
Synonyms
- Reptile
- Lizard
- Dinosaur
