HYLAEOSAURUS Meaning and
Definition
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Hylaeosaurus is a noun that refers to a prehistoric armored dinosaur that lived during the early Cretaceous period, approximately 130 million years ago. It is classified under the family Nodosauridae and is known for its prominent bony plates and spikes that covered its body as a form of defense.
The name "Hylaeosaurus" is derived from the Greek words "hylaios" meaning "of the forest" and "sauros" meaning "lizard," indicating its forest-dwelling habits. It was originally described and named by the English paleontologist Gideon Mantell in 1833, making it one of the first recognized dinosaur species.
This dinosaur species stood about four meters (13 feet) long and weighed around two tons, making it a medium-sized herbivorous dinosaur. Its body was covered in thick, bony plates called osteoderms, which formed a protective armor along its back and flanks. Hylaeosaurus also had long, sharp spikes extending from its shoulders and a cluster of spines at the end of its tail, providing additional defense against predators.
Fossils of Hylaeosaurus have been discovered in England, specifically in the Lower Cretaceous strata of Tilgate Forest in Sussex. These fossils have provided valuable insights into the evolution of armored dinosaurs, their lifestyles, and the ancient ecosystems in which they lived.
Hylaeosaurus remains an important dinosaur species in the scientific community, contributing to our understanding of prehistoric life on Earth.
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In geol., one of the dinosaurs, a gigantic terrestrial reptile.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for HYLAEOSAURUS
- gylaeosaurus
- bylaeosaurus
- nylaeosaurus
- jylaeosaurus
- uylaeosaurus
- yylaeosaurus
- htlaeosaurus
- hglaeosaurus
- hhlaeosaurus
- hulaeosaurus
- h7laeosaurus
- h6laeosaurus
- hykaeosaurus
- hypaeosaurus
- hyoaeosaurus
- hylzeosaurus
- hylseosaurus
- hylweosaurus
- hylqeosaurus
Etymology of HYLAEOSAURUS
The word "Hylaeosaurus" is derived from two Greek words: "hylaios" (ὑλαῖος) meaning "of the woods" or "living in the forest", and "sauros" (σαῦρος) meaning "lizard" or "reptile". So, "Hylaeosaurus" roughly translates to "forest lizard" or "lizard of the woods". This name was given to a type of dinosaur that lived millions of years ago.
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