The word 'dinosaur' was formed in 1842 from two Greek words. What do they mean?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. 'Terrible' and 'lizard'

  1. Step 1: The anatomist Richard Owen coined 'Dinosauria' from deinos (terrible, fearfully great) and sauros (lizard). Answer: 'Terrible' and 'lizard'. Why not the others: 'Giant' and 'bird': Giant would be gigas and bird ornis. 'Ancient' and 'beast': 'Ancient' is archaios and 'beast' is therion. 'Enormous' and 'creature': 'Creature' is not the meaning of sauros, which is 'lizard'.

Practise more Greek roots in English vocabulary.

Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed Pancyprian Examinations (Cyprus) mock tests.