PTEROPODA
Pte*rop"o*da, n. pl. Etym: [NL.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: A class of Mollusca in which the anterior lobes of the foot are developed in the form of broad, thin, winglike organs, with which they swim at near the surface of the sea.
Note: The Pteropoda are divided into two orders: Cymnosomata, which have the body entirely naked and the head distinct from the wings; and Thecosomata, which have a delicate transparent shell of various forms, and the head not distinct from the wings.
PTEROPODOUS
Pte*rop"o*dous, a. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Of or pertaining to the Pteropoda.
PTEROSAUR
Pter"o*saur, n. Etym: [Gr. (Paleon.)
Defn: A pterodactyl.
PTEROSAURIA
Pter`o*sau"ri*a, n. pl. Etym: [NL.] (Paleon.)
Defn: An extinct order of flying reptiles of the Mesozoic age; the pterodactyls; — called also Pterodactyli, and Ornithosauria.
Note: The wings were formed, like those of bats, by a leathery expansion of the skin, principally supported by the greatly enlarged outer or " little" fingers of the hands. The American Cretaceous pterodactyls had no teeth. See Pteranodontia, and Pterodactyl.