Aetosaur

/ˈiːtoʊsɔr/ noun

Definition

An extinct armored reptile from the Triassic period, known for its crocodile-like appearance and body covered in protective bony plates.

Etymology

From Greek aetos (eagle) + sauros (σαῦρος, lizard), literally 'eagle lizard.' The name is somewhat misleading as they resembled crocodiles more than eagles.

Kelly Says

Aetosaurs are one of those extinct creatures with a confusing name—they're called 'eagle lizards' but actually look nothing like eagles; they were armored prehistoric predators that ruled before dinosaurs took over, then totally vanished.

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