Definition of microraptor

Short definition: The name Microraptor means a tiny dinosaur with feathers that could glide between trees, and today it is often mentioned when people talk about how birds may have evolved from dinosaurs long ago.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the name Microraptor? The word Microraptor may not be as famous as T rex, but Microraptor is one of the most interesting dinosaurs ever discovered. People often talk about it when discussing how birds evolved from dinosaurs. Sometimes it refers to the real prehistoric animal, and sometimes people use it in a fun way to describe something small, fast, and clever. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, so it feels real, human, and easy to understand.

Forms: Microraptor, Microraptors
Related: dinosaur n., fossil n., bird ancestor n.
Syllable: mi-cro-rap-tor

1. (Noun) A very small feathered dinosaur that could glide and is often linked to the early evolution of birds.

   Microraptor was a tiny dinosaur that lived about 120 million years ago and is famous for having feathers on both its arms and legs, giving it four wing like limbs that helped it glide between trees and made scientists rethink how flight first began.

   The museum displayed a model of a Microraptor with its feathered wings.
   Kids were surprised how small the Microraptor actually was.
   Scientists study Microraptor to learn about early birds.

   Synonyms: feathered dinosaur, tiny raptor, gliding dinosaur, four winged dinosaur, bird like dinosaur, small predator, ancient flier, fossil flier, mini dinosaur, early bird ancestor, prehistoric glider, flying dinosaur cousin
   Antonyms: giant dinosaur, heavy predator, land only dinosaur, wingless reptile, massive carnivore, ground hunter, slow animal, bulky dinosaur, non feathered reptile, large beast, giant predator, heavy walker

2. (Noun) A symbol of how small creatures can still be smart fast and impressive.

   Outside science talk, Microraptor is sometimes used as a fun way to describe something that may be small but still powerful in its own way, reminding people that size does not always decide strength or importance.

   That tiny drone is like a Microraptor in the sky.
   She may be quiet, but she is a real Microraptor at work.
   The small team proved they were the Microraptor of the company.

   Synonyms: small but strong type, hidden power, tiny powerhouse, smart small one, quick thinker, underdog hero, quiet achiever, mini champion, compact strength, small genius, silent force, little legend
   Antonyms: weak small one, powerless type, fragile soul, helpless person, slow mover, lazy type, heavy and slow, useless figure, inactive person, weak presence, small failure, no impact

3. (Slang) A playful nickname for someone who is small but very energetic or fast.

   In casual slang, people sometimes call someone a Microraptor to joke that they are small in size but quick in movement, sharp in thinking, and always full of energy, like a tiny bundle of speed.

   Look at him run, he’s a real Microraptor.
   She’s short but moves like a Microraptor.
   The kids laugh and say their friend is the Microraptor of the group.

   Synonyms: speedster, tiny rocket, quick mover, fast little one, energetic soul, mini runner, small lightning, lively kid, fast thinker, quick spirit, tiny dynamo, active spark
   Antonyms: slow mover, lazy type, sleepy one, heavy walker, calm soul, quiet type, low energy person, sluggish one, tired soul, slow thinker, laid back type, inactive person