lizard

American  

[liz-erd] / ˈlɪz ərd /

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. Astronomy. Lizard, 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.

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lizard ¹ British  

/ 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

2. 1. leather made from the skin of such an animal

   2. ( as modifier )

      a lizard handbag

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Lizard ² British  

/ ˈlɪzəd /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of lizard

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

Example Sentences

The pattern holds whether scientists are testing how fast lizards run on a treadmill, measuring how sharks swim in the ocean, or tracking how quickly bacterial cells divide.

From Science Daily

Chan is a herpetologist, meaning he studies amphibians and reptiles such as frogs, turtles, lizards, and snakes.

From Science Daily

Of course, I was barefooted and didn’t make any more noise than a lizard walking on a rail fence.

From Literature

Has he asked her to bring the bearded lizard with her to the ceremony?

From Los Angeles Times

Birds soared and swooped, screeched and fished; iguanas and lizards scrabbled; sea lions lazed and their king’s honk! echoed across the water.

From Literature

Related Words

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