raptor

[ rap-ter, -tawr ]
/ ˈræp tər, -tɔr /

noun

a raptorial bird.

Origin of raptor

1600–10; < Latin raptor one who seizes by force, robber, equivalent to rap(ere) (see rape1) + -tor -tor

Example sentences from the Web for raptor

British Dictionary definitions for raptor

raptor
/ (ˈræptə) /

noun

another name for bird of prey
informal a carnivorous bipedal dinosaur of the late Cretaceous period

Word Origin for raptor

C17: from Latin: plunderer, from rapere to take by force

Scientific definitions for raptor

raptor
[ răptər ]

A bird of prey, such as a hawk, eagle, or owl.
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.