Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Basiliscus

Basiliscus

9.8
A large lizard from Central and South America that can run across water
  • noun
  • /ˌbæzɪˈlɪskəs/
  • Specialized
: Basiliscus
  • The Basiliscus genus is renowned for its members' ability to run across water surfaces.

Examples

  • The Basiliscus is often called the Jesus Christ lizard.

  • The male Basiliscus displays a prominent crest along its back and head.

  • Biologists observed a Basiliscus basking on a branch near the riverbank.

  • Did you know that the Basiliscus can run on water?

  • The basiliscus is famous for its unique ability to run swiftly across water surfaces.

  • In the tropical rainforests of Central America, the basiliscus can often be seen darting along the edges of streams.

  • The basiliscus lizard has evolved remarkable adaptations that allow it to escape predators by running on water.

Synonyms

basilisk
vsBasiliscus
  • US
1 9.3

A small lizard that lives in trees and can run across water

is a larger tropical lizard rather than a small one

Surface Forms

Basiliscus singular
Basilisci plural

Etymology

Basiliscus comes from the Greek words basileus 'king' and -iskos 'little', so it means 'little king'. A simple way to remember it is that these lizards have a tall crest that looks like a small crown, so the name suits these large, water-running lizards.