lizard

[ liz-erd ]

noun

1. any of numerous scaly reptiles of the suborder Sauria, order Squamata, typically having a moderately elongate body, a tapering tail, and two pairs of legs held outward from the body, comprising mostly terrestrial and burrowing species.
2. any of various reptiles resembling a lizard, as a dinosaur or crocodile.
3. leather made from the skin of the lizard, used for shoes, purses, etc.
4. Lizard, Astronomy. the constellation Lacerta.
5. Older Slang, lounge lizard.
6. Nautical. a pennant used as a leader for running rigging, having a thimble or bull's-eye.
7. The Lizard. Lizard Head.

Lizard

¹

/ ˈlɪzəd /

noun

1. the Lizard
   a promontory in SW England, in SW Cornwall: the southernmost point in Great Britain Also known asLizard Headthe Lizard Peninsula

lizard

²

/ ˈlɪzəd /

noun

1. any reptile of the suborder Lacertilia (or Sauria ), esp those of the family Lacertidae (Old World lizards), typically having an elongated body, four limbs, and a long tail: includes the geckos, iguanas, chameleons, monitors, and slow worms lacertiliansaurian
2. 1. leather made from the skin of such an animal
   2. ( as modifier )

      a lizard handbag

Word History and Origins

Origin of lizard¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English liserd, variant of lesard(e), from Middle French lesarde, from Latin lacerta

Word History and Origins

Origin of lizard¹

C14: via Old French from Latin lacerta

Example Sentences

Native reptiles and birds, including the Be’er Sheva fringe-fingered lizard, the pin-tailed sandgrouse and the spectacled warbler, are now fall easy prey for crows and jays perched in the tree branches.

From Salon

Desert beetles and lizards, for example, have evolved to develop surface structures that have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic areas and effectively capture moisture from the air.

From Science Daily

Wild inhabitants include vulnerable bighorn sheep and desert tortoises, as well as the stocky Chuckwalla lizard that enjoys basking in the sun.

From Los Angeles Times

To test whether water anoles are an exception to the rule, Swierk prevented the formation of normal rebreathing bubbles over the lizards' nostrils by applying a commercial emollient to their skin surface.

From Salon

He runs with a big crew: his girlfriend, their children, three dogs, two chickens, a lizard and tortoise.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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