raptor

[ rap-ter, -tawr ]

noun

1. a raptorial bird.
2. Informal. a velociraptor or other small dinosaur with similar characteristics.

raptor

/ ˈræptə /

noun

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

raptor

/ răp′tər /

1. A bird of prey, such as a hawk, eagle, or owl.
2. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of raptor¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English raptour “ravener; plunderer; bird of prey,” from Latin raptor “robber, ravager,” equivalent to rap(ere) “to seize by force, plunder” + -tor agent suffix; rape ¹ -tor

Word History and Origins

Origin of raptor¹

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

Example Sentences

As the Super Heavy booster re-entered the atmosphere its 33 raptor engines worked to slow it down from speeds in excess of a few thousands miles per hour.

From BBC

At the time, she was studying raptors at the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory and had a hunch rat poison was involved.

From Los Angeles Times

You might spot a peregrine falcon or other raptor, including kestrels, which nest there.

From Los Angeles Times

The number of peregrine falcons at Yosemite National Park has soared over the past 15 years since the launch of a protection plan for the once-endangered raptors that nest in the park’s cliffs and peaks.

From Los Angeles Times

The eyes of raptors such as eagles can accurately perceive prey from kilometers away.

From Science Daily