1. Extinct primitive toothed bird of the Jurassic period having a long feathered tail and hollow bones; usually considered the most primitive of all birds
   "Archaeopteryx lithographica is often referred to as a transitional fossil between dinosaurs and birds";
   - archaeopteryx, archeopteryx

Type of: bird, birdie [informal]

Part of: genus Archaeopteryx, genus Archeopteryx

Encyclopedia: Archaeopteryx lithographica