1. Plural of ichthyosaur; extinct marine reptiles from the Mesozoic Era that resembled dolphins or sharks, with streamlined bodies, flippers, and a vertical tail fin.
Usage: paleontology; plural form

Examples

• Ichthyosaurs were among the most successful marine predators of the Mesozoic Era.
• The fossil record shows that ichthyosaurs evolved into many different species over millions of years.
• Unlike dinosaurs, ichthyosaurs were fully adapted to life in the ocean.
• Scientists have discovered that some ichthyosaurs gave birth to live young rather than laying eggs.
• The museum's collection includes several well-preserved ichthyosaur skeletons.
• Ichthyosaurs disappeared from the fossil record about 90 million years ago.