Definition

A type of bipedal dinosaur that lived during the late Cretaceous period, known for its toothless jaw and unique features like a crested skull. These dinosaurs are believed to have shown behaviors similar to modern birds, such as brooding.

Example

The oviraptor is often depicted in illustrations caring for its eggs, highlighting its nurturing behavior.

Conversation

Did you read about the oviraptor they discovered recently?

Yeah, I heard it was found in Mongolia!

It's fascinating how it might have taken care of its eggs like a bird.

Absolutely! It really changes how we think about dinosaurs.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Oviraptor is formed from "ovi-" (from Latin "ovum", meaning egg) and "raptor" (from Latin "rapere", meaning to seize or take). The word describes a creature that seizes eggs, reflecting its presumed behavior of egg predation.

Memory Tip

Think of 'egg' ('ovi-') and 'seizing' ('raptor') to remember that an oviraptor is a dinosaur known for its egg-stealing habits.

Visually Confused Words