What does allosaur mean?
An allosaur is a carnivorous theropod dinosaur belonging to the group Allosauria, and the term most often refers to animals of the genus Allosaurus. These were large, bipedal predators with powerful hind limbs, sharp teeth, and comparatively short forelimbs. Allosaurus lived during the Late Jurassic period, principally in what is now western North America. The common word is used in popular writing, museum interpretation, palaeontology, and discussions of fossil specimens. In scientific contexts, the italicized genus name Allosaurus distinguishes the particular genus, whereas the broader term “allosaur” can occasionally include other members of Allosauria. Although strictly a proper taxonomic name, the form without capitalisation has become familiar enough to function as an ordinary English noun. The name itself combines Greek roots for “other” or “different” and “lizard,” reflecting its historical separation from the remains previously assigned to Megalosaurus.
nounA carnivorous theropod dinosaur belonging to the extinct group Allosauria, especially a member of the genus Allosaurus, which lived during the Late Jurassic period.
- A carnivorous theropod dinosaur of the group Allosauria, especially a member of the genus Allosaurus.
"The museum's display features the reconstructed skeleton of an allosaur from Late Jurassic North America."
"The fossilized skull was identified as that of an allosaur."
"Children's books often portray an allosaur hunting among the giant dinosaurs of the Late Jurassic."
The regular plural is used when referring to multiple individual animals or multiple members of the group.
"Several allosaurs competed for prey in Late Jurassic ecosystems."
Its name combines Greek words meaning “other” and “lizard,” an apt label for a powerful predator once grouped with the giant lizard Megalosaurus.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does allosaur come from?
The name was coined in the nineteenth century from the Greek allos, meaning “other” or “different,” and sauros, meaning “lizard.” It was introduced by American palaeontologist Othniel Charles Marsh for remains that were recognized as distinct from the lizard-like dinosaurs then known as Megalosaurus. The root sauros also underlies English words such as dinosaur, sauropod, and saurian.
How allosaur is actually used
The lowercase form is the standard common noun, while italicized Allosaurus denotes the scientific genus. In broader cladistic usage, “allosaur” may refer to any member of Allosauria rather than only members of the genus Allosaurus.
Easily confused with allosaur
Allosaurus is the italicized scientific genus name, whereas allosaur is the ordinary lowercase English noun for an individual animal or member of Allosauria.