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Glite Dictionary
pelycosaur

pelycosaur

1 9.9
A large early reptile with a sail on its back that lived long ago
  • noun
  • /ˈpɛlɪkəˌsɔr/
  • Specialized
: pélisocaurio
  • Did you know that the largest pelycosaur could grow up to 13 feet long?

Examples

  • The pelycosaur is recognizable by the distinctive sail on its back.

  • The pelycosaur was a fascinating creature of the Permian period.

  • Fossils of the pelycosaur have been found across North America and Europe.

  • Scientists believe that pelycosaurs were among the earliest large land vertebrates.

  • The pelycosaur, with its distinctive sail-like structure, roamed the Earth during the Permian period.

  • The pelycosaur was one of the first reptiles to evolve, showcasing features adapted for life on land.

  • Fossils of the pelycosaur reveal its unique features that help scientists understand ancient ecosystems.

Synonyms

Pelycosauria
vspelycosaur
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A group of extinct reptile-like animals like Dimetrodon and Edaphosaurus

is a single large primitive fossil reptile often possessing a tall sail
order Pelycosauria
vspelycosaur
  • Specialized
9.9

An early group of extinct animals like Dimetrodon with a large sail on their backs

is one individual large primitive extinct reptile often with a tall sail

Surface Forms

pelycosaur singular
pelycosaurs plural

Morphology

pelycosaur = pelyco + saur

The word is built from specialised Greek combining forms that are not productive or familiar to average B1 learners, so its meaning cannot be derived from the parts.

Etymology

The word pelycosaur is made of pelyco- and -saur, where -saur means 'lizard', as in dinosaur, and pelyco- reminds us of the tall 'sail' or ridge on its back. So a pelycosaur is an early large 'lizard' known for its big sail.