Gigantosaurus

/ˌɡɪɡæntoʊˈsɔːrəs/ noun

Definition

A genus of enormous theropod dinosaur from the Cretaceous period that was one of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs ever.

Etymology

From Greek 'gigas' (giant) + 'sauros' (lizard). Named in 1993 by Rodolfo Coria and Leonardi, the scientific name follows the Latinized convention of dinosaur nomenclature, creating a name that simply translates to 'giant lizard.'

Kelly Says

Giganotosaurus might actually have been BIGGER than T. rex—some specimens estimated at 45 feet long—but T. rex got all the Hollywood fame! It hunted in herds in South America and is evidence that different continents evolved their own 'apex predators' as superstars.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.