pterodactyl Definition
a type of extinct flying reptile that lived during the time of the dinosaurs, characterized by a long pointed head and wings consisting of a membrane of skin supported by an elongated fourth finger.
Using pterodactyl: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "pterodactyl" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The pterodactyl was one of the largest flying animals ever to exist.
Example
Pterodactyls were not actually dinosaurs, but rather a type of pterosaur.
Example
The wingspan of a pterodactyl could reach up to 33 feet.
Origins of pterodactyl
from Greek 'ptero-' meaning 'wing' and 'daktulos' meaning 'finger'
Summary: pterodactyl in Brief
A 'pterodactyl' [te-ruh-dak-til] is an extinct flying reptile from the time of the dinosaurs, with a long pointed head and wings made of skin supported by an elongated fourth finger. They were not actually dinosaurs, but rather a type of pterosaur. The wingspan of a pterodactyl could reach up to 33 feet.