raptor
n. countablen. a bird of prey, like an eagle or a hawk, that hunts and eats other animals. It can also refer to certain types of fast, meat-eating dinosaurs.
n. a carnivorous bird of prey characterized by a hooked beak and sharp talons. In a paleontological context, refers to dromaeosaurid dinosaurs known for their speed and predatory behavior.
The hawk is a powerful raptor that hunts small mice.
During our hike, we saw a large raptor circling high above the valley looking for its next meal.
Conservation efforts have successfully increased the population of several raptor species that were once on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss.
From Middle English raptour, from Latin raptor (“kidnapper, thief”).
Popularized (and possibly coined) in 1990 by Michael Crichton in Jurassic Park; clipping of velociraptor, ultimately of the same etymology as above.
Often used as a general category for eagles, hawks, and owls; in popular culture, it specifically evokes the Velociraptor.