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Glite Dictionary
ornithomimid

ornithomimid

1 9.9
A medium-sized dinosaur with long legs, a long neck, big eyes, and a small head
  • noun
  • /ˌɔrnɪˈθoʊmɪmɪd/
  • Specialized
: ornitomímido
  • The ornithomimid had long limbs that helped it run quickly across the open plains.

Examples

  • Scientists believe the ornithomimid was a fast runner, similar in appearance to modern-day ostriches.

  • None of these feathers were found on the ornithomimid fossils.

    Blog text (15)

  • Genuine feathers on a Cretaceous ornithomimid would suggest that feathers (and wings to hold them) evolved earlier than previously thought.

    Blog text (15)

  • Fossils of the ornithomimid show it had large eyes, suggesting it was well adapted for seeing in low light.

Surface Forms

ornithomimid singular
ornithomimids plural

Morphology

ornithomimid = Ornithomimus (opaque) = ornitho + mim + id

The formation is taxonomic using Greek combining forms and the family/member suffix '-id', which is specialized and not guessable by an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Ornithomimid comes from Greek parts ornitho- meaning 'bird' and -mimid meaning 'mimic' or 'imitator'. So an ornithomimid is a 'bird-like' dinosaur, which fits its small head, long legs, and likely feathers.