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Definition of quetzalcoatlus

quetzalcoatlus

/ˌkwɛtsəlkoʊˈætləs/
quet · zal · co · at · lus
Plural:quetzalcoatluses
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quetzalcoatlus Lexical Profile

quetzalcoatlus Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An extinct genus of massive azhdarchid pterosaur from the Late Cretaceous period of North America, recognized as one of the largest known flying animals in Earth's history.

Example

"With a wingspan estimated at over thirty feet, the Quetzalcoatlus dominated the Late Cretaceous skies as an apex aerial predator."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for quetzalcoatlus

Word Nuance & Usage

Although frequently featured in media alongside dinosaurs, the quetzalcoatlus is scientifically classified as a pterosaur, which is a distinct clade of extinct flying reptiles.

• Rhymes for quetzalcoatlus

• Nearby Words

questionnaire
quetta
quetzal
quetzalcoatlus
quetzaltenango
queue
queuer

Word Origin & Etymology

Named in 1975 by paleontologist Douglas A. Lawson. The genus name derives from Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god of Mesoamerican mythology, referencing its reptilian nature and ability to fly.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Quetzalcoatlus. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 11, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/quetzalcoatlus
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