noun
- plural of deinonychus; small to medium-sized theropod dinosaurs from the Cretaceous period, known for their large curved claws on their hind feet
Usage: paleontology; scientific name
Examples
- Deinonychuses were pack hunters that roamed North America during the Early Cretaceous.
- The fossil record shows that deinonychuses had feathers and were more closely related to birds than to large theropods.
- Scientists believe deinonychuses used their distinctive sickle claws to slash at prey.
- Several deinonychuses were discovered together, suggesting they may have hunted in groups.
- The name deinonychuses comes from Greek words meaning 'terrible claw.'