anole

[ uh-noh-lee ]

noun

1. any of numerous chiefly insectivorous New World lizards of the genus Anolis, related to the iguana, that have the ability to change the color of their skin among a wide range of green and brown shades.

anole

/ əˈnəʊl /

noun

1. any small arboreal tropical American insectivorous lizards of the genus Anolis, such as A. carolinensis ( green anole ): family Iguanidae (iguanas). They are able to change the colour of their skin Also calledAmerican chameleon

Word History and Origins

Origin of anole¹

1895–1900; variant of anoli < Carib

Word History and Origins

Origin of anole¹

C18 annolis, from French anolis, from Carib anoli

Example Sentences

When Dr. Lindsey Swierk studies water anoles in Central and South America, she can feel their presence even when she doesn't see them.

From Salon

On average, the researchers discovered that male anoles stayed underwater for 20 fewer seconds than females.

From Science Daily

Similarly, anole lizards living in Puerto Rico’s urban areas grew longer limbs than their counterparts out in the forests, according to a 2016 study.

From National Geographic

He tries to get more in touch with nature without ever understanding it, a lesson he finally learns from the anoles he buys on yet another impulse.

From Los Angeles Times

At Harvard, she worked with evolutionary biologist Jonathan Losos, whose research on Caribbean anoles has become a classic example of how evolution can follow a predictable path.

From Science Magazine