hesperornis Meaning, Definition & Usage

Hes`pe*ror"nis noun
Etymology
NL., fr. Gr. western + , , a bird.
Definitions
  1. (Paleon.) A genus of large, extinct, wingless birds from the Cretaceous deposits of Kansas, belonging to the Odontornithes. They had teeth, and were essentially carnivorous swimming ostriches. Several species are known. See Illust. in Append.

Webster 1913