goanna

[ goh-an-uh ]

noun

1. any of the several large monitor lizards of the family Varanidae, of Australia, especially Varanus varius and V. giganteus, both sometimes growing to 6 feet (1.8 meters).

goanna

/ ɡəʊˈænə /

noun

1. any of various Australian monitor lizards
2. slang.
   a piano

Word History and Origins

Origin of goanna¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; aphetic form of iguana

Word History and Origins

Origin of goanna¹

C19: sense 1 changed from iguana ; sense 2 from rhyming slang pianna

Example Sentences

He had nearly reached its mouth when a great greasy black goanna clambered up a sapling from under his feet and looked fightable.

From Project Gutenberg

He ran round to the other side of the hut, and there was a great black goanna in violent convulsions on the ground.

From Project Gutenberg

The monitor is popularly known as the goanna, a name derived from the iguana, an entirely different animal.

From Project Gutenberg