gecko

American  

[gek-oh] / ˈgɛk oʊ /

noun

plural

geckos, geckoes

1. any of numerous small, mostly nocturnal tropical lizards of the family Gekkonidae, usually having toe pads that can cling to smooth surfaces: the largest species, Gekko gecko, is sometimes kept as a pet.

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gecko British  

/ ˈɡɛkəʊ /

noun

1. any small insectivorous terrestrial lizard of the family Gekkonidae, of warm regions. The digits have adhesive pads, which enable these animals to climb on smooth surfaces

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Etymology

Origin of gecko

1705–15; < New Latin gekko < Dutch; origin uncertain; alleged to be a Malay word imitative of the lizard's call.

Example Sentences

Ama sidesteps a spotted gecko using a rock as a tanning bed.

From Literature

Spanish police announced on Saturday they had raided a unlicensed animal sanctuary and rescued hundreds of exotic creatures including leopard tortoises, iguanas and geckos.

From Barron's

When dust clings to a surface or a gecko walks across a ceiling, it happens thanks to what scientists call "nature's invisible glue."

From Science Daily

Need I mention that a gecko is a cold-blooded lizard?

From Salon

Her favorite is their outdoor table, which Greene crafted from leftover teak and inlaid with gecko leaves, a nod to her late mother’s favorite plant.

From Los Angeles Times