Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Varanus

Varanus

1 9.9
A group of large lizards called monitor lizards, like the Komodo dragon
  • noun
  • /ˈværəˌnəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Varanus
  • Scientists study the behavior of Varanus species to understand their ecological role.

Examples

  • Many tourists visit Indonesia to see the massive Varanus komodoensis in its natural habitat.

  • He asked me if I had any Varanus lizards.

    Academic text (2009)

  • The Varanus lizard is known for its impressive size and hunting skills.

Synonyms

monitor
vsVaranus
2 9.1

A large tropical lizard that eats meat and has a long tail

is the scientific genus grouping these lizards rather than one animal
monitor lizard
vsVaranus
1 6.1

A large lizard from hot regions like Africa, Asia and Australia that eats meat

is the scientific genus covering these lizards rather than referring to one animal

Compounds

Varanus niloticus
  • Specialized
9.9

A large African lizard that lives near rivers and swamps

Surface Forms

Varanus singular
Varanuses plural

Etymology

Varanus comes from an old Arabic word waran, a local name for these large lizards that scientists borrowed as the scientific name. So Varanus now labels the group of monitor lizards, which makes it easy to remember that animals like the Komodo dragon belong to Varanus.