Theropod
/ˈθɪrəˌpɑːd/noun
A dinosaur belonging to the group characterized by hollow bones, three-toed limbs, and typically a bipedal stance.
Did you know?The name Theropoda was coined in 1881 by paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh, and birds are now recognized as living theropod dinosaurs.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ǵʰwer-
“Wild animal or beast; the proposed ancient root behind Greek thēr.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
θήρ (thḗr)
“Wild beast or animal.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
πούς, ποδός (poús, podós)
“Foot; the stem pod- appears in compounds.”
1881
New Latin
Theropoda
““Beast-footed,” a taxonomic group name introduced by O. C. Marsh for certain dinosaurs.”
19th–20th Century
Scientific English
theropod
“A member of Theropoda, generally a bipedal dinosaur with hollow bones and clawed or three-toed limbs.”
Modern English
English
theropod
“A theropod dinosaur, including tyrannosaurs, raptors, and the evolutionary lineage leading to birds.”