Definition of triceratops

Short definition: The name Triceratops means a big gentle dinosaur with three horns that lived long ago, and today people often use it when talking about famous dinosaurs in movies books museums and fun stories about the ancient world.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the name Triceratops? The word Triceratops is famous in the world of dinosaurs and often reminds people of a strong, horned giant from prehistoric times. You will see it in science books, museums, movies, toys, and games. Sometimes it refers to the real animal that lived millions of years ago, and sometimes people use it in a fun or symbolic way to describe strength and protection. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, so it feels real, human, and easy to understand.

Forms: Triceratops, Triceratopses
Related: dinosaur n., herbivore n., fossil n.
Syllable: tri-ce-ra-tops

1. (Noun) A large plant eating dinosaur with three horns and a big protective frill that lived millions of years ago.

   Triceratops was a huge dinosaur that lived about 68 to 66 million years ago and is famous for its three horns and wide bony frill on its head, which helped protect it from predators like Tyrannosaurus Rex and made it one of the most recognizable dinosaurs in history.

   The museum has a full Triceratops skeleton on display.
   Kids love drawing the Triceratops with its big horns.
   The movie shows a Triceratops defending itself.

   Synonyms: horned dinosaur, plant eating giant, prehistoric herbivore, three horned dinosaur, fossil giant, ancient grazer, armored dinosaur, frilled dinosaur, giant herbivore, classic dinosaur, horned beast, ancient giant
   Antonyms: meat eating dinosaur, predator dinosaur, small reptile, gentle animal, tiny lizard, harmless creature, weak species, light framed animal, fragile creature, soft natured animal, calm animal, non fighter

2. (Noun) A symbol of strength protection and standing your ground.

   Outside of science, people sometimes use Triceratops as a symbol for someone who is strong, protective, and not afraid to defend themselves or others, similar to how the dinosaur used its horns to protect its herd.

   She protects her family like a Triceratops.
   That player is the Triceratops of the team.
   He stands his ground like a Triceratops.

   Synonyms: protector, defender, strong shield, guardian figure, tough presence, brave soul, solid support, powerful guard, fearless type, strong defender, protective force, solid wall
   Antonyms: weak one, unprotected type, helpless person, timid soul, soft target, easy victim, fragile type, scared one, defenseless person, gentle soul, passive type, weak presence

3. (Slang) A fun nickname for someone who is stubborn tough or always ready to argue.

   In casual slang, people sometimes call someone a Triceratops when they mean that person is stubborn, strong headed, or always ready to stand their ground in a discussion, often said in a joking way.

   You’re such a Triceratops when it comes to opinions.
   He’s the Triceratops of the group debates.
   She laughs and says she’s a friendly Triceratops.

   Synonyms: stubborn one, tough head, strong will, hardheaded type, stubborn soul, firm stander, tough personality, solid opinion holder, unmovable type, strong minded person, tough cookie, iron will
   Antonyms: easygoing person, flexible type, soft heart, gentle soul, open minded one, calm type, relaxed person, laid back soul, adaptable one, chill personality, smooth type, easy person