1. an extinct flying reptile with large wings formed by a membrane of skin stretched from an elongated finger to its body and legs
Usage: paleontology

Examples

• The pterodactyl soared through the prehistoric skies millions of years ago.
• Scientists discovered a well-preserved pterodactyl fossil in the limestone quarry.
• The museum’s pterodactyl skeleton has a wingspan of over twenty feet.
• Children love learning about dinosaurs and pterodactyls at the natural history museum.
• The pterodactyl was not actually a dinosaur but a flying reptile.
• Paleontologists study pterodactyl bones to understand how these ancient creatures lived.