Definition

A large dinosaur that lived during the late Jurassic period, known for its long neck and tail, and herbivorous diet.

Example

The apatosaurus was one of the largest land animals to ever exist.

Conversation

Have you ever heard about the apatosaurus?

Yeah, it was such a massive dinosaur, right?

Exactly! I think it was one of the largest herbivores.

For sure! I love learning about dinosaurs like the apatosaurus.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Apatosaurus is formed from "apato-" (from Greek "apatos", meaning deceptive or misleading) and "sauros" (from Greek "sauros", meaning lizard or reptile). The name Apatosaurus translates to 'deceptive lizard', referring to the confusion surrounding its classification in the late 19th century.

Memory Tip

Think of 'deceptive' ('apatos') to remember that Apatosaurus means 'deceptive lizard', highlighting the confusion in its classification.

Visually Confused Words