protoceratops

noun

pro·​to·​cer·​a·​tops ˌprō-(ˌ)tō-ˈser-ə-ˌtäps How to pronounce protoceratops (audio)
: any of a genus (Protoceratops) of small herbivorous ceratopsian dinosaurs of the Late Cretaceous that lacked horns

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from prot- + Ceratops, a genus — more at ceratopsian

First Known Use

1979, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of protoceratops was in 1979

Dictionary Entries Near protoceratops

Protoceras

protoceratops

protocerebral

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Protoceratops.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protoceratops. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about protoceratops

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