Lizard Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈlaɪzərd/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A reptile of the order Squamata, typically having a scaly skin, a long tail, and clawed legs, found in diverse environments, including deserts, forests, and grasslands.

Examples

• You can find lizards climbing on rocks in the desert.
• Lizards are popular pets due to their low-maintenance care.

Synonyms

• Reptile
• Scaly

Antonyms

• Mammal
• Bird

Additional Information

Lizards are ectothermic, meaning they regulate their body temperature using external sources, such as the sun or a warm rock. They are also carnivorous, feeding on insects, worms, and other small animals. Many species of lizards are known for their bright colors, which serve as a form of communication or camouflage. There are over 3,000 species of lizards found worldwide.

Lizards have been a part of human culture for thousands of years, with depictions of lizards appearing in ancient artwork and mythology. In modern times, lizards have gained popularity as pets and are often kept in captivity for their unique characteristics and behaviors.

Etymology

The word “lizard” comes from the Old English word “lízard”, which is derived from the Latin “lizardus”, meaning “small, scaly reptile”.

Usage Notes

Lizards can be used as a noun or an adjective, describing a reptile or its characteristics. For example, “I saw a lizard crawling on the rock” or “the lizard’s scales are very colorful”.

Cultural References

Lizards have appeared in popular culture in various forms, such as in cartoons, movies, and literature. For example, the character “Lizard” in the Marvel Comics universe is a supervillain who transforms into a lizard-like creature.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Sacrificial lamb” is an idiomatic phrase that refers to a situation where a person is put in harm’s way or sacrificed for the benefit of others, often compared to how lizards are preyed upon by other animals.

Related Words or Phrases

• Reptile
• Scaly
• Caiman

Collocations

• Lizard skin
• Lizard-like
• In the bush

Frequency of Use

Lizards are relatively common in language, with an estimated frequency of use in the top 2,000 words in the English language.

Common Misspellings

• lizerd
• lazyrd