Definition

A large, extinct marine reptile that lived in the oceans during the time of the dinosaurs, known for its long neck and paddle-like limbs.

Example

The plesiosaur swam gracefully through the ancient seas, using its flippers to navigate.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a plesiosaur?

Yeah, I read about them in a book about dinosaurs!

They were fascinating creatures with those long necks and flippers.

Totally! It's amazing how they managed to swim in the oceans.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Plesiosaur → It is formed from 'plesios' (from Greek 'plesios', meaning near or close) and 'sauros' (from Greek 'sauros', meaning lizard or reptile). The word 'plesiosaur' refers to a reptile that is close to lizards, specifically a marine reptile with a long neck and small head.

Memory Tip

Think of 'near' ('plesios') and 'lizard' ('sauros') to remember that a plesiosaur is a marine reptile that resembles a lizard and has a long neck.

Visually Confused Words