Ornithomimus

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A genus of fast-running, bird-like dinosaurs from the Late Cretaceous period known for its long legs and beak-like snout resembling modern ostriches; it is classified among theropods and is thought to have been omnivorous; fossils have provided insight into dinosaur behavior and anatomy
2. A type of bipedal dinosaur characterized by its slender build, long legs adapted for speed, and a toothless beak similar to that of birds; belonging to the ornithomimid family, it lived during the Late Cretaceous and likely consumed a varied diet; its remains help paleontologists understand evolutionary links between dinosaurs and birds
3. A dinosaur genus from the Late Cretaceous noted for its ostrich-like form, slender legs built for rapid locomotion, and a beak without teeth; members of this group probably had a diverse diet and contribute to knowledge of bird ancestry

Etymology: Ornithomimus is a coinage of the scientific age, not an ancient word. Its parts come from classical languages: the Greek "ornis" meaning bird, joined to the Latin "mimus," meaning mimic or imitator. The name describes the animal's appearance, since its build recalled a bird, and in particular an ostrich. The genus name follows the usual pattern of naming dinosaurs from Greek and Latin roots, so the name reads like a description: a bird-mimic. Ancient Greeks and Romans had no such animal to name, so the combination was made by modern paleontologists who needed a label for a Late Cretaceous dinosaur with an ostrich-like body.

Synonyms: bird mimic, ostrich dinosaur