Gila monster

American  

noun

1. a large, venomous lizard, Heloderma suspectum, of the southwestern U.S. and northwestern Mexico, covered with beadlike scales of yellow, orange, and black.

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Gila monster British  

/ ˈhiːlə /

noun

1. a large venomous brightly coloured lizard, Heloderma suspectum, inhabiting deserts of the southwestern US and Mexico and feeding mostly on eggs and small mammals: family Helodermatidae

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Etymology

Origin of Gila monster

1875–80, after Gila

Example Sentences

The man, Christopher Ward, 34, died on Feb. 16 “due to complications of Gila monster envenomization,” said the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office autopsy report, which also cited heart and liver problems as contributing factors.

From New York Times

Ward, 34, was taken to a hospital shortly after being bitten by one of his two pet Gila monsters on Feb. 12.

From Seattle Times

Online, breeders sell Gila monsters for $1,200 and up after hatchlings emerge in the fall.

From Seattle Times

Told that Gila monsters were illegal in Lakewood, the woman told officers she wanted them out of her house as soon as possible, the report said.

From Seattle Times

Gila monster venom has led to diabetes medication.

From National Geographic