anole

American  

[uh-noh-lee] / əˈnoʊ li /

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.

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anole British  

/ əˈnəʊl /

noun

1. Also called: American chameleon.  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

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Etymology

Origin of anole

1895–1900; variant of anoli < Carib

Example Sentences

Longer dives, however, mean that it's less likely for a predator to be waiting once the anole returns to the surface.

From Science Daily • Mar. 5, 2024

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 • Feb. 15, 2024

Dr. Campos’s research indicates that vasotocin may alter chemical communication between green anole lizards, and other researchers found that mesotocin may be related to courtship behaviors in brown anoles.

From New York Times • Oct. 24, 2022

Some anole species have altogether disappeared from the interior forest.

From Washington Post • Oct. 15, 2018

This moderate-sized anole characteristically inhabits the low bushes and bases of trees in the forest.

From Amphibians and Reptiles of the Rainforests of Southern El Peten, Guatemala by Duellman, William E.