Level 3 MYO Slot: Archaeopteryx

Word: Archaeopteryx
Language: Greek (technically, by way of being worked into a binomial name), though as used in English
Meaning: Lit. "ancient (feather/wing)". Refers to an avialan genus of dinosaurs, especially Archaeopteryx lithographica, which rose to prominence as the "missing link" between birds and non-avian dinosaurs and the "first bird"; while later discoveries are likely more closely related to modern birds, placing Archaeopteryx closer to non-avian dinosaurs, Archaeopteryx lithographica may nonetheless represent the earliest avialan dinosaur capable of powered flight and remains enshrined in popular consciousness as the point of transition between dinosaur and bird.