noun
- a small to medium-sized carnivorous theropod dinosaur of the Cretaceous period, known for its large curved claw on each hind foot
Usage: paleontology; often capitalized as a genus name
Examples
- Deinonychus was an active predator that hunted in packs during the Early Cretaceous period.
- The distinctive sickle-shaped claw of deinonychus made it a formidable hunter.
- Fossil evidence suggests that deinonychus was more agile than many other dinosaurs of its time.
- Scientists believe deinonychus used its large claws to slash at prey.
- The name deinonychus means 'terrible claw' in Greek.