horned lizard

American  

noun

1. an insectivorous iguanid lizard of the genus Phrynosoma, of western North America, having hornlike spines on the head and a flattened body covered with spiny scales.

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Etymology

Origin of horned lizard

An Americanism dating back to 1805–15

Example Sentences

They said the wells approved in San Luis Obispo County also threaten the habitat of vulnerable species, including the California coast horned lizard and the wildflower pismo clarkia.

From Seattle Times • May 11, 2023

While Castner Range is off-limits to people, it provides habitat for an array of wildlife, including the American peregrine falcon, the golden eagle, the black-tailed prairie dog and the Texas horned lizard.

From Washington Post • Mar. 21, 2023

The cartoon suggests there might be hope for the Texas horned lizard after all.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2021

When threatened, the horned lizard of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico can shoot arcs of blood from their eye sockets.

From National Geographic • Sep. 23, 2017

The Indians claim that if a snake swallows the horned lizard whole, the lizard will immediately work his way through the snake.

From The Human Side of Animals by Dixon, Royal