reptilian

[rep-til-ee-uhn, -til-yuhn]

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the Reptilia.

2. groveling, debased, or despicable; contemptible.

3. mean; treacherous; harmful.

noun

1. a reptile.

reptilian

1. Relating to or characteristic of reptiles.

Word History and Origins

Origin of reptilian¹

1840–50; < New Latin Reptili ( a ) reptiles (plural of rēptile, neuter of Late Latin rēptilis; reptile ) + -an

Example Sentences

It darts forward and tackles Ama, throwing her to the ground and dissolving the reptilian head.

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The jawbone looked reptilian but had teeth resembling those of dinosaurs.

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It was the kind of ruthlessness that gave Pelosi great pride; she boasted of a reptilian cold-bloodedness and, indeed, though she shared the liberal leanings of her hometown, Pelosi was no ideologue.

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‘Happy Gilmore’ star Adam Sandler shares a playful tribute honoring his reptilian co-star, Morris the alligator, who died Sunday of old age at a gator farm in southern Colorado.

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The “Punch-Drunk Love” actor and comedian on Wednesday shared a playful tribute honoring his reptilian co-star who died Sunday of old age at a gator farm in southern Colorado.

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