Definition of archaeopteryx

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< archaeon

Archaeozoic >

ar·chae·op·ter·yx

(är

ks) KEY

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.

ETYMOLOGY:
New Latin Archaeopteryx, genus name : archaeo- + Greek pterux, wing; see pet- in Indo-European roots

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