Dinosaur

/ˈdaɪ.nə.sɔːr/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A diverse group of reptiles that first appeared during the Late Triassic period, often characterized by their large size and varied forms, some of which were herbivorous and others were carnivorous.

The museum has an impressive skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex, one of the most famous dinosaurs.

Informally, a person or thing that is outdated or has become irrelevant.

He is considered a dinosaur in the tech industry, resistant to change and new ideas.

Any of a group of large, extinct reptiles of the clade Dinosauria.

Paleontologists discover new species of dinosaurs every year that expand our understanding of prehistoric life.

Etymology

From Greek 'deinos' (terrible) and 'sauros' (lizard or reptile).

Common Phrases and Expressions

dinosaur in the room

A significant problem that is ignored or unaddressed.

dinosaur technology

Outdated or obsolete technology.

Related Words

paleontology

The branch of science concerned with fossil animals and plants.

extinction

The state or process of a species, family, or larger group being or becoming extinct.

reptile

A class of animals characterized by scaly skin and laying eggs.

Slang Meanings

An outdated person or system.

He's still using floppy disks; what a dinosaur!

Someone or something that is old-fashioned.

Her ideas about marketing are so dinosaur.