reptilian

American  

[rep-til-ee-uhn, -til-yuhn] / rɛpˈtɪl i ən, -ˈtɪl yən /

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the Reptilia.

2. groveling, debased, or despicable; contemptible.

3. mean; treacherous; harmful.

---

noun

1. a reptile.

reptilian Scientific  

/ rĕp-tĭl′ē-ən /

1. Relating to or characteristic of reptiles.

---

Etymology

Origin of reptilian

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

Example Sentences

“In his reptilian survival way, he says ‘I’m going to do this and draw attention away from Epstein,'” he said.

From Salon

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

From Science Daily

‘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.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

It turns the human brain into a reptilian one and activates the sympathetic nervous system, putting us into fight-or-flight mode — the same one we can get stuck in when we’re chronically lonely.

From Salon