What does tyrannosaurus mean?
Tyrannosaurus is the name of a genus of large theropod dinosaurs that lived during the Late Cretaceous Period. Its best-known species, Tyrannosaurus rex, is commonly called T. rex and is one of the most recognizable prehistoric animals. The word is used both in scientific contexts, where it identifies a taxonomic genus, and in everyday discussion, where it usually means the species Tyrannosaurus rex. In popular accounts, a tyrannosaurus is often portrayed as an enormous, powerful predator with an exceptionally strong bite, although it was smaller than the largest sauropods and shared its environment with many other dinosaurs. The name combines Greek roots meaning “tyrant” and “lizard,” an apt description of an animal that dominated its ecosystem. Tyrannosaurus is particularly useful in discussions of paleontology, evolutionary biology, fossil discovery, and the cultural fascination with dinosaurs.
nounA large carnivorous theropod dinosaur belonging to the genus Tyrannosaurus, especially the species Tyrannosaurus rex, commonly known as T. rex.
- The genus of large theropod dinosaurs that includes the species Tyrannosaurus rex.
- In popular usage, a reference to Tyrannosaurus rex itself, especially when shortened to T. rex.
"The museum's tyrannosaurus skeleton towers over visitors in the central hall."
"A tyrannosaurus skull offers clues to the powerful bite of this enormous predator."
"Children's books often describe the tyrannosaurus as the king of the dinosaurs, although it was not formally given that title."
The standard plural adds -s, although the shorter form tyrannosaur is also widely used for members of the genus.
"Two tyrannosaurs appeared in the prehistoric setting."
The most famous tyrannosaurus was named in 1905, and its name literally means “tyrant lizard.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tyrannosaurus come from?
The word was coined in 1905 by American paleontologist Henry Fairfield Osborn for the dinosaur then named Tyrannosaurus rex. It combines the Greek tyrannos, meaning “tyrant” or “ruler,” with sauros, meaning “lizard.” The name shares its Greek and Latin roots with words such as tyrant, tyranny, tyrannical, and tyrannize.
How tyrannosaurus is actually used
In scientific writing, the genus name Tyrannosaurus is capitalized and italicized, while the species name is capitalized but not italicized: Tyrannosaurus rex. In general usage, “tyrannosaurus” and “T. rex” often refer to the species rather than to the genus as a whole.
Easily confused with tyrannosaurus
A tyrannosaur is any dinosaur in the broader group Tyrannosauridae, whereas tyrannosaurus more specifically refers to the genus containing Tyrannosaurus rex.