rap·tor (r p t r)n. A bird of prey. [Latin, one who seizes, from rapere, to seize; see rapt.] |
raptor [ˈræptə]
n
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) another name for bird of prey
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Animals) Informal a carnivorous bipedal dinosaur of the late Cretaceous period
[from Latin: plunderer, from rapere to take by force]
| raptor (rptr) 1. A bird of prey, such as a hawk, eagle, or owl. 2. Any of various mostly small, slender, carnivorous dinosaurs of the Cretaceous Period. Raptors had hind legs that were adapted for leaping and large, curved claws used for grasping and tearing at prey. Raptors were probably related to birds, and some even had feathers. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  raptor - any of numerous carnivorous birds that hunt and kill other animalsbird - warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings Accipitriformes, order Accipitriformes - in some classifications an alternative name for the Falconiformes hawk - diurnal bird of prey typically having short rounded wings and a long tail bird of Jove, eagle - any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight vulture - any of various large diurnal birds of prey having naked heads and weak claws and feeding chiefly on carrion Sagittarius serpentarius, secretary bird - large long-legged African bird of prey that feeds on reptiles bird of Minerva, bird of night, owl, hooter - nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and large head with front-facing eyes |
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