A major group of diapsid reptiles that includes crocodilians, birds, and extinct dinosaurs and pterosaurs. They are characterized by having teeth set in sockets and an antorbital fenestra (opening in front of the eye socket).
From Greek 'archos' meaning ruler or chief and 'saurus' meaning lizard, literally 'ruling reptiles.' The term reflects their dominant position in many ecosystems, especially during the Mesozoic Era when dinosaurs ruled the Earth.
Try Another Word