1. a small carnivorous dinosaur of the late Cretaceous period, characterized by a large sickle-shaped claw on each hind foot
Usage: paleontology

Examples

• The velociraptor was much smaller than depicted in popular movies.
• Paleontologists discovered velociraptor fossils in Mongolia.
• The velociraptor used its sharp claws to hunt prey.
• Recent studies suggest velociraptors had feathers.
• The velociraptor was an intelligent predator that hunted in packs.
• Museum visitors were fascinated by the velociraptor skeleton display.