Search Dictionary
Definition of apatosaurus

apatosaurus

/əˌpætəˈsɔːrəs/
A · pat · o · sau · rus
Plural:apatosauruses
JUMP TO:

apatosaurus Lexical Profile

apatosaurus Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A massive, herbivorous sauropod dinosaur from the Late Jurassic period, native to North America, characterized by a long neck, a long whip-like tail, and four sturdy, pillar-like legs.

Synonyms
View all synonyms for apatosaurus

Word Nuance & Usage

Historically considered the exact same animal as the Brontosaurus, though recent paleontological research suggests they may actually be closely related but distinct genera.

• Rhymes for apatosaurus

• Nearby Words

apathetic
apathetically
apathy
apatosaurus
ape
apelike
apeman

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1877 by paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh from the Greek 'apatē' (deceit) and 'sauros' (lizard), named because its chevron bones deceptively resembled those of marine reptiles like the mosasaur.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Apatosaurus. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/apatosaurus
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.