allosaurus
UK[ˌæləˈsɔːrəs]US[ˌæləˈsɔːrəs]
n
A large, carnivorous, bipedal dinosaur of the late Jurassic period, with a massive skull, sharp teeth, and short forelimbs.
Morpheme Breakdown
allo
saurus
allo
different
saurus
lizard
Etymology
The name 'Allosaurus' is a modern scientific Latin construction derived from Greek components. It was coined in the late 19th century by paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh. The term literally translates to 'different lizard', with 'allo-' (different) chosen to distinguish its vertebrae, which were notably lighter and more concave than those of other large theropod dinosaurs known at the time. Thus, the name's logic is taxonomic, highlighting a distinctive anatomical feature that set this genus apart from its prehistoric relatives.
Analysis
Structure: allo (different) + saurus (lizard)
allo from Greek 'allos' meaning 'other, different'. saurus from Greek 'sauros' meaning 'lizard, reptile'.
Examples
The Allosaurus was one of the apex predators of the Jurassic ecosystem.
A remarkably complete Allosaurus skeleton is on display at the museum.
Scientists believe the Allosaurus may have hunted in packs to bring down large sauropods.