2006-08-26 06:38:06 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
It comes from the Greek words "deinos" (meaning terrible, fearsome or formidable) and "saura" (meaning lizard or reptile).
It's generally taken to mean "terrible lizard", which is technically inaccurate, but the name has stuck.
The second link gives the English meaning of the components of dinosaur names. For example, velociraptor is built from "veloci" (meaning "fast") and "raptor" (meaning "robber" or "plunderer"), and tyrannosaurus rex means "tyrant lizard king".
2006-08-26 06:48:30 · answer #1 · answered by Grimread 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Dinosaur comes from two Greek words that signify "terrible lizard (or reptile)". Brontosaur means "thunder lizard", but this animal should be Apatosaur. That was the first name used for it. Someone found another example and thought it was a different species, so he gave it a different name. By now, we know they were the same. Tyrannosaur means "tyrant lizard". I imagine your 6 year old will want to know that.
2006-08-26 12:08:53 · answer #2 · answered by miyuki & kyojin 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Lizard
2006-08-26 06:41:58 · answer #3 · answered by nert 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Saurus is "lizard" as originally scientists thought that dinosaurs ("Terrible Lizards") were a type of giant reptile.
Dinosaurs are actually much more closely related to birds. You can see the resemblance in their skeletons, for instance in the structure of their feet (both have three toes, reptiles do not.)
Good question from your six year old, though. Keep asking them!
- Cai
2006-08-26 06:48:11 · answer #4 · answered by cailano 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
In Greek, the word "dino" comes from "deinos" meaning "terrible" or "greatly feared". Likewise, "sauros" means "lizard".
2006-08-26 07:01:22 · answer #5 · answered by mikeallert 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It means giant lizard.
2006-08-26 06:42:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
All i know is a blind dinasour is called a Doyouthinkhesawus!
2006-08-26 06:44:39 · answer #7 · answered by jtun23 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dinasaur means "big lizard"
2006-08-26 06:44:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
it means "great lizard"
2006-08-26 06:43:06 · answer #9 · answered by canada grl 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
just big lizard i think ,//////////////////////////////////
2006-08-28 10:21:52 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋