All the dinosaur generic names that appear in this book are listed here with a guide to pronunciation, a brief identification of the dinosaur, and the derivation of the genus name. Note that sauros is Greek for “lizard” or “reptile.”
Alamosaurus (AL-uh-mo-sore-us) A Late Cretaceous sauropod from the western United States [for Ojo Alamo, a spring in New Mexico].
Albertosaurus (al-BURR-tuh-sore-us) A Late Cretaceous tyrannosaurid from western North America [for Alberta, Canada].
Allosaurus (AL-uh-sore-us) A Late Jurassic theropod from North America and East Africa [Greek alias (strange)].
Ammosaurus (AM-oh-sore-us) An Early Jurassic prosauropod from North America [Greek ammos (sand)].
Amphicoelias (am-fee-see-lee-us) A Late Jurassic sauropod from North America [Greek amphi (double) + koilos (hollow)].
Anchisaurus (AN-key-sore-us) An Early Jurassic prosauropod from North America and southern Africa [Greek anchi (near or close to)].
Ankylosaurus (ang-KY-low-sore-us) A Late Cretaceous ankylosaur from North America [Greek ankylos (stiff or fused)].
Antarctosaurus (ant-ARK-toe-sore-us) A Late Cretaceous sauropod from South America and Asia [Greek antarktiko (southern)].
Apatosaurus (uh-PAT-oh-sore-us) A Late Jurassic sauropod from North America [Greek apatel (deceit)].
Aquilops (uh-KWILL-ops) An Early Cretaceous neoceratopsian from North America [Latin aquila (eagle) + Greek ops (face)].
Argentinosaurus (ar-jen-teen-oh-SORE-us) A Late Cretaceous sauropod from Argentina [for Argentina].
Aucasaurus (ah-KOW-sore-us) A Late Cretaceous theropod from Argentina [for Auca Manhuero, a region in Argentina].
Bagaceratops (bag-uh-SAYR-uh-tops) A Late Cretaceous ceratopsian from Asia [Mongolian baga (small) + Greek ceratops (horned face)].
Bambiraptor (BAM-bee-rap-tor) A Late Cretaceous theropod from North America [for the Disney character Bambi + Latin raptor (robber)].
Barapasaurus (bah-RAP-uh-sore-us) An Early Jurassic sauropod from India [Hindi bara (big) + pa (leg)].
Barosaurus (BAHR-oh-sore-us) A Late Jurassic sauropod from North America and eastern Africa [Greek
barys (heavy)].
Brachiosaurus (BRAK-ee-oh-sore-us) A Late Jurassic sauropod from North America and eastern Africa [Greek brachion (arm)].
Brontosaurus (BRON-toe-sore-us) A Late Jurassic sauropod from North America; not a valid name, which is Apatosaurus [Greek bronte (thunder)].
Camarasaurus (KAM-uh-ruh-sore-us) A Late Jurassic sauropod from North America [Greek kamara (chamber)].
Camptosaurus (KAMP-toe-sore-us) A Late Jurassic ornithopod from North America and Europe [Greek kamptos (flexible)].
Caudipteryx (caw-DIP-ter-iks) An Early Cretaceous theropod from China [Latin cauda (tail) + Greek pteryx (wing, feather)].
Centrosaurus (SEN-tro-sore-us) A Late Cretaceous ceratopsian from North America [Greek kentron (sharp point)].
Ceratosaurus (sir-AT-oh-sore-us) A Late Jurassic theropod from North America and eastern Africa [Greek keratos (horned)].
Cetiosaurus (SEAT-ee-oh-sore-us) A Middle to Late Jurassic sauropod from England and northern Africa [Greek keteios (whale-like)].
Chaoyangsaurus (chow-YANG-sore-us) A Jurassic ceratopsian from China [for Chaoyang, a region in northeastern China].
Chasmosaurus (KAZ-mo-sore-us) A Late Cretaceous ceratopsian from North America [Greek chasma (opening)].
Coelophysis (see-low-FY-sis) A Late Triassic theropod from North America [Greek koilos (hollow) + fysis (form)].
Colepiocephale (ko-lep-ee-oh-CEF-uh-lee) A Late Cretaceous pachycephalosaur from North America [Greek colepio (knuckle) + cephale (head)].
Coloradisaurus (col-oh-rah-dih-SORE-us) A Late Triassic prosauropod from Argentina [for the Los Colorados Formation in Argentina].
Compsognathus (comp-sug-NAY-thus) A Late Jurassic theropod from Europe [Greek kompsos (elegant) + gnathos (jaw)].
Corythosaurus (core-EETH-oh-sore-us) A Late Cretaceous hadrosaur from North America [Greek korythos (Corinthian helmet)].
Daspletosaurus (das-PLEE-toe-sore-us) A Late Cretaceous theropod from North America [Greek daspletos (frightful)].
Datousaurus (DAH-toe-sore-us) A Middle Jurassic sauropod from China [Chinese da (big) + tou (head)].
Deinodon (DIE-no-don) A name originally given to large theropod teeth from the Upper Cretaceous of North America; not considered valid [Greek deinos (terrible) + odon (tooth)].
Deinonychus (die-NON-ik-us) An Early Cretaceous theropod from North America [Greek deinos (terrible) + onychos (claw)].
Dilophosaurus (die-LOWF-oh-sore-us) An Early Jurassic theropod from North America [Greek di (two) + lophos (crest)].
Diplodocus (di-PLOD-oh-kus) A Late Jurassic sauropod from North America [Greek diplos (double) + dokos (beam)].
Dracorex (DRAY-ko-rex) A Late Cretaceous pachycephalosaur from North America [Latin draco (dragon) + rex (king)].
Dreadnoughtus (dred-NAUGHT-us) A Late Cretaceous sauropod from Argentina [For the British Royal Navy battleship of the early twentieth century, the Dreadnought].
Drinker (DRIN-ker) A Late Jurassic ornithopod from North America [for Edward Drinker Cope].
Dryosaurus (DRY-oh-sore-us) A Late Jurassic ornithopod from North America and eastern Africa [Greek dryos (tree)].
Dryptosaurus (DRIP-toe-sore-us) A Late Cretaceous theropod from North America [Greek drypto (to tear)].
Edmontonia (ed-mun-TONE-ee-uh) A Late Cretaceous ankylosaur from North America [for the Edmonton Formation in Alberta, Canada].
Edmontosaurus (ed-MON-toe-sore-us) A Late Cretaceous ornithopod from North America [for the Edmonton Formation in Alberta, Canada].
Emausaurus (EE-mau-sore-us) An Early Jurassic thyreophoran from Europe [an acronym for Ernst Moritz Arndt University in Greifswald, Germany].
Eoraptor (ee-oh-RAP-tore) A Late Triassic theropod from Argentina [Greek eo (dawn) + Latin raptor (robber)].
Euoplocephalus (you-oh-plo-SEF-uh-lus) A Late Cretaceous ankylosaur from North America [Greek euoplo (well armed) + kephale (head)].
Fabrosaurus (FAB-row-sore-us) An Early Jurassic primitive ornithischian from southern Africa [for French geologist Jean Fabre].
Gargoyleosaurus (gar-GOYL-ee-oh-sore-us) A Late Jurassic ankylosaur from North America [English gargoyle (in reference to the appearance of the dinosaur)].
Gastonia (gas-TONE-ee-uh) An Early Cretaceous ankylosaur from North America [for Robert Gaston, who discovered the dinosaur].
Giganotosaurus (jiy-ga-NO-to-sore-us) An Early Cretaceous theropod from Argentina [Latin gigan (giant) + Greek notos (southern)].
Gigantspinosaurus (jie-gant-spine-oh-SORE-us) A Late Jurassic stegosaur from China [Latin gigan (giant) + spina (spine)].
Hadrosaurus (HAD-row-sore-us) A Late Cretaceous ornithopod from North America [Greek hadros (heavy)].
Haplocanthosaurus (hap-low-KANTH-uh-sore-us) A Late Jurassic sauropod from North America [Greek haplos (single) + akantka (spine)].
Herrerasaurus (her-RARE-uh-sore-us) A primitive saurischian from the Late Triassic of Argentina [for Argentine rancher Don Victorino Herrera].
Heterodontosaurus (het-ur-oh-DONT-oh-sore-us) An Early Jurassic ornithopod from South Africa [Greek heteros (different) + odontos (tooth)].
Homalocephale (ho-mah-low-SEF-uh-lee) A Late Cretaceous pachycephalosaur from Asia [Greek homalos (level) + kephale (head)].
Huayangosaurus (hwah-YANG-oh-sore-us) A Middle Jurassic stegosaur from China [for Huayang in Shanxi Province, China].
Hylaeosaurus (HI-lee-oh-sore-us) An Early Cretaceous ankylosaur from Europe [Greek hylaios (Wealden)].
Hypacrosaurus (high-PAK-row-sore-us) A Late Cretaceous ornithopod from North America [Greek hypo (less) + akos (high)].
Hypselosaurus (HIP-se-low-sore-us) A Late Cretaceous sauropod from Europe [Greek hypselos (high)].
Hypsilophodon (hip-si-LOAF-uh-don) An Early Cretaceous ornithopod from Europe [for the living iguana Hypsilophus].
Iguanodon (i-GWA-no-don) An Early Cretaceous ornithopod from Europe and North Africa [“Iguana” + Greek odon (tooth)].
Irritator (ir-uh-TATE-ur) An Early Cretaceous theropod from Brazil [English (irritation)].
Isanosaurus (ee-SAN-oh-sore-us) A Late Triassic sauropod from Thailand [for Isan, a region in northeastern Thailand].
Kentrosaurus (KEN-tro-sore-us) A Late Jurassic stegosaur from eastern Africa [Greek kentron (spike)].
Khaan (kahn) A Late Cretaceous theropod from Mongolia [Mongol kan (lord)].
Leptoceratops (LEP-toe-sayr-uh-tops) A Late Cretaceous ceratopsian from North America [Greek leptos (small) + ceratops (horned face)].
Lesothosaurus (le-SOW-toe-sore-us) An Early Jurassic ornithischian from southern Africa [for Lesotho, Africa].
Liaoceratops (lee-OW-sayr-uh-tops) An Early Cretaceous ceratopsian from China [for Liaoning, China + Greek ceratops (horned face)].
Limusaurus (LEE-mu-sore-us) A Late Jurassic theropod from China [Chinese limu (mud)].
Lufengosaurus (loo-FUNG-oh-sore-us) An Early Jurassic prosauropod from China [for Lufeng in Yunnan Province, China].
Maiasaura (my-uh-SORE-uh) A Late Cretaceous hadrosaur from North America [Greek maia (good mother)].
Mamenchisaurus (ma-MENCH-ee-sore-us) A Late Jurassic sauropod from China [for the Mamenchi Ferry in Sichuan Province, China].
Massospondylus (MASS-oh-spon-die-lus) An Early Jurassic prosauropod from North America and southern Africa [Greek
masson (longer) +
spondylus (vertebra)].
Megalosaurus (MEG-uh-low-sore-us) A Middle–Late Jurassic theropod from Europe [Greek megalo (big)].
Microraptor (My-crow-rap-tor) An Early Cretaceous theropod from China [Greek mikros (small) + Latin raptor (robber)].
Monolophosaurus (ma-no-LOAF-uh-sore-us) A Late Jurassic theropod from China [Greek mono (one) + lof (crest)].
Mononykus (maw-no-NIGH-kus) A Late Cretaceous theropod from Mongolia [Greek mono (one) + onychos (claw)].
Montanaceratops (mon-TAN-uh-sayr-uh-tops) A Late Cretaceous ceratopsian from North America [Montana + Greek
ceratops (horned face)].
Mussaurus (mus-AW-rus) A hatchling prosauropod from the Late Triassic of Argentina [Latin mus (mouse)].
Nodosaurus (NO-do-sore-us) A Late Cretaceous ankylosaur from North America [Latin nodus (knot or swelling)].
Nothronychus (noth-row-NIE-kus) A Late Cretaceous theropod from North America [Greek nothros (slothful) + onyx (claw)].
Nqwebasaurus (click with tongue-kwe-bah-SORE-us) A theropod from Jurassic–Cretaceous boundary beds of South Africa [for the Kirkwood Formation in South Africa, called Nqweba in the Xhosa language].
Opisthocoelicaudia (oh-PIS-tho-SEE-li-kaw-dee-uh) A Late Cretaceous sauropod from Asia [Greek opisthe (behind) + koilos (hollow) + Latin cauda (tail)].
Orodromeus (or-oh-DROM-ee-us) A Late Cretaceous hypsilophodontid from North America [Greek oros (mountain) + dromeus (runner)].
Ouranosaurus (oh-RAN-oh-sore-us) An Early Cretaceous ornithopod from Africa [for ouran, a monitor lizard that lives in the Sahara].
Oviraptor (oh-vi-RAP-tor) A Late Cretaceous theropod from Asia [Latin ovum (egg) + raptor (robber)].
Pachycephalosaurus (pack-ee-SEF-uh-low-sore-us) A Late Cretaceous pachycephalosaur from North America [Greek pachys (thick) + kephale (head)].
Panoplosaurus (pan-OH-plo-sore-us) A Late Cretaceous ankylosaur from North America [Greek pan (everywhere) + oplo (armored)].
Paralititan (par-Al-uh-tie-ton) A Late Cretaceous sauropod from Egypt [Greek para (near) + halos (sea) + titan (giant)].
Parasaurolophus (par-us-sore-ALL-uh-fus) A Late Cretaceous ornithopod from North America [Greek para (similar) + Saurolophus, a related ornithopod].
Parksosaurus (PARKS-oh-sore-us) A Late Cretaceous ornithopod from North America [for Canadian paleontologist William Arthur Parks].
Patagosaurus (PAT-uh-go-sore-us) A Middle Jurassic sauropod from South America [for Patagonia, Argentina].
Pentaceratops (PEN-tuh-sayr-uh-tops) A Late Cretaceous ceratopsian from North America [Greek
pente (five) +
ceratops (horned face)].
Piatnitzkysaurus (pee-yot-NITS-kee-sore-us) A Middle Jurassic theropod from Argentina [for Argentine geologist Alejandro Piatnitzky].
Pinacosaurus (pin-AK-oh-sore-us) A Late Cretaceous ankylosaur from Asia [Greek pinacos (board)].
Pisanosaurus (pee-SAHN-oh-sore-us) A primitive ornithischian from the Late Triassic of Argentina [for Argentine paleontologist Juan Pisano].
Plateosaurus (PLAT-ee-oh-sore-us) A Late Triassic prosauropod from Europe [Greek plateo (broad)].
Poekilopleuron (po-kee-low-PLEW-ron) A Middle Jurassic theropod from Europe [Greek poikilos (mottled) + pleuron (rib)].
Polacanthus (po-luh-KAN-thus) An Early Cretaceous ankylosaur from Europe [Greek polys (many) + akantha (spine)].
Procompsognathus (pro-KOMP-sug-nath-us) A Late Triassic theropod from Germany [Greek pro (before) + Comsognathus].
Protoceratops (pro-toe-SAYR-uh-tops) A Late Cretaceous ceratopsian from Asia [Greek protos (first) + ceratops (horned face)].
Psittacosaurus (si-TAK-oh-sore-us) An Early Cretaceous ceratopsian from Asia [Greek psittakos (parrot)].
Riojasaurus (ree-OH-ha-sore-us) A Late Triassic prosauropod from Argentina [for La Rioja Province, Argentina].
Saichania (SY-kan-ee-uh) A Late Cretaceous ankylosaur from Asia [Mongolian saikhan (beautiful)].
Saltasaurus (SAUL-tuh-sore-us) A Late Cretaceous sauropod from Argentina [for Salta Province, Argentina].
Sarcolestes (sar-ko-LESS-tees) A Middle Jurassic ankylosaur from Europe [Greek sarkos (flesh) + lestes (robber)].
Saurolophus (sore-OL-uh-fus) A Late Cretaceous hadrosaurid from Asia and North America [Greek sauros (lizard) + lophos (crest)].
Sauropelta (sore-oh-PEL-tuh) A Late Cretaceous ankylosaur from North America [Latin pelta (small shield)].
Sauroposeidon (sore-oh-po-SIGH-dun) An Early Cretaceous sauropod from North America [for Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea].
Saurornithoides (sore-or-nith-OID-eez) A Late Cretaceous theropod from Asia [Greek ornithoides (bird-like)].
Scansoriopteryx (scan-sore-ee-OP-ter-iks) A Middle Jurassic theropod (or bird?) from China [Latin scandere (climb) + Greek pteryx (wing)].
Scelidosaurus (skel-id-oh-SORE-us) A primitive thyreophoran from the Lower Jurassic of Europe [Greek skelidos (limb)].
Scutellosaurus (skew-TELL-oh-sore-us) A primitive thyreophoran from the Lower Jurassic of North America [Latin scutella (little shield)].
Seismosaurus (SIGHS-mow-sore-us) A Late Jurassic sauropod from North America; a synonym of Diplodocus. [Greek seismos (earthquake)].
Shunosaurus (SHOO-no-sore-us) A Middle Jurassic sauropod from China [for Shu, the ancient Chinese name for Sichuan Province, China].
Silesaurus (SIGH-luh-sore-us) A Late Triassic dinosaur ordinosauromorph from Poland [for Silesia, a region in Poland].
Spinosaurus (SPY-no-sore-us) A Late Cretaceous theropod from Egypt [Latin spina (spine)].
Staurikosaurus (stor-IK-oh-sore-us) A Late Triassic dinosaur from South America [Greek staurikos (cross), for the constellation Southern Cross].
Stegoceras (steg-OS-ur-us) A Late Cretaceous pachycephalosaur from North America [Greek stego (covered) + keras (horn)].
Stegosaurus (STEG-oh-sore-us) A Late Jurassic stegosaur from North America [Greek stego (covered)].
Struthiomimus (strooth-ee-oh-MIME-us) A Late Cretaceous theropod from North America [Latin struthio (ostrich) + mimus (mimic)].
Struthiosaurus (strooth-ee-oh-SORE-us) A Late Cretaceous ankylosaur from Europe [Latin struthio (ostrich)].
Suchomimus (soo-ko-MY-mus) An early Cretaceous theropod from Niger [Greek souchos (crocodile) + mimus (mimic)].
Tarbosaurus (TAR-bow-sore-us) A Late Cretaceous theropod from Asia [Greek tarbos (terror)].
Tenontosaurus (ten-ON-toe-sore-us) An Early Cretaceous ornithopod from North America [Greek tenontos (sinew)].
Thecodontosaurus (THEE-ko-dont-oh-sore-us) A Triassic prosauropod from Europe. [Greek theka (socket) + odontos (tooth)].
Thescelosaurus (THESS-el-oh-sore-us) A Late Cretaceous ornithopod from North America [Greek theskelos (marvelous)].
Tianyulong (tee-an-YOU-long) An Early Cretaceous heterodontosaur from China [for the Shandong Tianyu Museum of Nature + Chinese long (dragon)].
Titanosaurus (TIE-tan-oh-sore-us) A Late Cretaceous sauropod from Europe, Asia, and South America [for the Titans of Greek mythology].
Torosaurus (TOR-oh-sore-us) A Late Cretaceous ceratopsian from North America [Greek toreo (to perforate)].
Torvosaurus (TOR-vo-sore-us) A Late Jurassic theropod from North America and Europe [Latin torvus (savage) + Greek sauros (lizard)].
Trachodon (TRACK-oh-don) Originally applied to the teeth of a Late Cretaceous ornithopod from North America [Greek trachys (rough) + odon (tooth)].
Triceratops (try-SAYR-uh-tops) A Late Cretaceous ceratopsian from North America [Greek tri (three) + ceratops (horned face)].
Tuojiangosaurus (twoa-JEEANG-uh-sore-us) A Late Jurassic stegosaur from China [for the Tuojiang River in Sichuan Province, China].
Turanoceratops (tur-RAN-oh-sayr-uh-tops) A Late Cretaceous ceratopsian from Asia [Turan for “Turkestan” + Greek ceratops (horned face)].
Turiasaurus (TOUR-eh-uh-sore-us) A Late Jurassic sauropod from Spain [for the province of Teruel, Spain].
Tyrannosaurus (tie-RAN-oh-sore-us) A Late Cretaceous theropod from North America and Asia [Greek tyrannos (tyrant)].
Velociraptor (vuh-LOSS-ih-rap-tor) A Late Cretaceous theropod from Asia [Latin velocis (swift) + raptor (robber)].
Vulcanodon (vul-CAN-oh-don) An Early Jurassic prosauropod from southern Africa [for Vulcanus, the Roman god of fire and the forge + Greek odon (tooth)].
Yinlong (yin-LONG) A Late Jurassic ceratopsian from China [Chinese yin (hidden) + long (dragon), for the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, part of which was filmed at the dinosaur discovery site].
Yunnanosaurus (you-NAN-oh-sore-us) An Early Jurassic prosauropod from China [for Yunnan Province, China].
Ziapelta (ZEE-uh-pel-tuh) A Late Cretaceous ankylosaur from North America [Zia, a Native American sun symbol + Latin pelta (small shield)].
Zuniceratops (ZOO-nee-sayr-uh-tops) A Late Cretaceous ceratopsian from New Mexico [for Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico].