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pter-
1- variant of ptero- before a vowel:
pteranodon.
-pter
2- a combining form meaning “one with wings” of the kind specified:
hymenopter.
Example Sentences
The Capitals couldn’t convert two strong scoring chances in the first period when Alex Ovechkin couldn’t quite muscle home a puck on the goalline with Carolina goalie Pter Mrazek out of the net, and a pass just prior to a power play eluded the stick of Carl Hagelin.
His tin box strapped to his shoulder, his net in his hand, his large magnifying glass suspended to his neck, sometimes behind, sometimes in front, he scampered away among the high herbs, watching for orthopters or any other insect in "pter," at the risk of being bit by some venomous serpent.
While Amphitryon was absent at war with Pter'elas, king of the Tel'eboans, Jupiter assumed his form, and visited Alcmenê, who in due time became the mother of Her'culês.
Egyptii uxor Callicratis ſacerdot̅ Iſidis qua̅ dei fove̅t demonia atte̅du̅t filiol’ ſuo Tiſiſtheni ia̅ moribu̅da ita ma̅dat: Effugi quo̅da̅ ex Egypto regna̅te Nectanebo cu̅ patre tuo, p̃pter mei amore̅ pejerato.
Quib̃ fact̃ iuravit ſe patre̅ tuu̅ quoq̃ im̅ortale̅ oſte̅ſura̅ eſſe, ſi me prius occiſa regine co̅tuberniu̅ mallet; neq̃ eni̅ ipſa me occidere valuit, p̃pter noſtratu̅ m̃gica̅ cuius egomet p̃tem habeo.
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Words That Use Pter- Or -Pter
Basic definitions of pter- and -pter
Pter- and –pter are combining forms that variously refer to “wings” and “feathers.”
They come from the Greek pterón, meaning “wing” or “feather.”
Closely related to pter- and -pter are the combining forms pterygo-, connected to pterygoid, and pterido-, which is used for ferns.
What does pter- mean?
Pter- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “wing” or “feather.” It is used in scientific terms, especially in zoology.
The initial p in pter- is silent.
Pter- is a variant of ptero-, which loses its -o– when combined with words or word elements beginning with vowels. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use ptero- article.
What does -pter mean?
The combining form -pter is used like a suffix meaning “one with wings” of a kind specified by the first part of the word. Like pter-, it is used in scientific terms, especially in zoology.
An adjective form corresponding to -pter is -pterous. Learn about its specific applications at our Words That Use -pterous article.
The p when -pter is used like a suffix is pronounced.
Examples of pter- used like a prefix
A pteranodon is an extinct flying reptile that had about a 25-foot wingspan.
imagine finding the first pteranodon fossil and trying to work out what it is. 'here is a … reptilian seagull? with a 20' wingspan?'
anyway pteranodon is coolhttps://t.co/BE61eA9X3M
— Graham MacAree (@MacAree) September 10, 2020
The first part of the word, pter- means “wing.” The -anodon portion of the word comes from Greek words meaning “toothless.” Pteranodon literally means “wing without teeth.” The first pteranodon fossils found were thought to be different from other pterosaurs because they didn’t have any teeth.
Fun fact: pteranodons (which are more sometimes more generally referred to as pterodactyls) were not technically dinosaurs!
What are some words that use or are related to the combining form pter-?
What are some other forms that pter- may be commonly confused with?
Break it down!
The pteryla refers to areas of a bird’s skin that have what appendage?
Examples of -pter used like a suffix
You might reasonably think the word helicopter is composed of the parts heli- and -copter. But in fact, the word is composed of helico-, meaning “spiral,” and -pter, meaning “one with wings.” A helicopter literally means “one with spiral wings” or “spiral-winged,” an apt description for this aircraft propelled by blades rotating overhead.
The word helicopter, from the French hélicoptère, uses the equivalent forms of helico- and -pter in the language.
What are some words that use the combining form –pter?
Many of the following words use the equivalent form of -pter in New Latin or Greek.
What are some other forms that -pter may be commonly confused with?
Many words that end in the letters -pter are not using -pter as a combining form to refer to wings, such as chapter or adapter.
Break it down!
The combining form di- means “two,” and, as we’ve seen, -pter means “one with wings.” Diptera is an order of insects, including houseflies, mosquitoes, and gnats, that have a pair of wings.
Based on di- and what you know about -pter, what does diptera literally mean?
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