Velociraptor

Definition

A genus of small to medium-sized carnivorous theropod dinosaurs from the Cretaceous period, characterized by an enlarged curved claw on each foot used for slashing prey. They hunted in packs and are among the most intelligent dinosaurs known.

Example Usage

The velociraptor was portrayed as far larger in the Jurassic Park films than the actual fossil record suggests.

Origin

From Latin 'velox' (swift) and 'raptor' (plunderer), literally meaning 'swift plunderer.'

Fun Fact

Real velociraptors were about the size of a turkey, much smaller than their Hollywood depictions.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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