Chelidosaurus

/ˌkɛlɪdoʊˈsɔːrəs/ noun

Definition

An extinct genus of armored dinosaur from the Early Jurassic period with protective bony plates.

Etymology

From Greek 'chelidos' (tortoise-like) + 'saurus' (lizard). The name suggests a reptile with shell-like or tortoise-like armor plating.

Kelly Says

Scientists named this dinosaur to sound like a tortoise because it was so heavily armored—it's like they were saying 'this lizard wore a tank suit' before tanks were even invented!

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