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Glite Dictionary
checkered whiptail

checkered whiptail

9.9
A lizard with dark checkered marks on its back
  • noun
  • /ˈtʃɛkərd ˈwɪptaɪl/
  • US
translation icon : lagarto de cola de látigo
  • Unlike its relatives, the checkered whiptail has more pronounced dark markings along its body.

Examples

  • The checkered whiptail is easily recognized by the distinct pattern on its back.

  • The checkered whiptail is a fascinating lizard.

  • Biologists found several checkered whiptails basking in the sun near the desert edge.

  • I saw a checkered whiptail basking in the sun.

  • The checkered whiptail lizard is easily recognized by its unique pattern of dark markings.

  • During our hike, we spotted a checkered whiptail sunning itself on a rock.

  • Many people are fascinated by the checkered whiptail for its striking appearance and swift movements.

Synonyms

Cnemidophorus tesselatus
vscheckered whiptail
  • Specialized
9.9

A lizard with a checkered back that lives in dry places in the US and Mexico

is the scientific name using a different genus for that species

Surface Forms

checkered whiptail singular
checkered whiptails plural

Morphology

checkered + whiptail

The meaning is directly compositional: 'checkered' describes a patterned appearance and 'whiptail' names a type of lizard, so together they denote a whiptail lizard with a checkered/marked pattern. This adjective+noun species name follows common cross-linguistic descriptive naming patterns, making it readily inferable by learners who know both constituents.

Etymology

Checkered whiptail may come from two clear images: checkered for the dark, square-like marks on its back, and whiptail for its long tail that can move like a whip. So the name describes a 'species of lizard' with a patterned body and a whip-like tail.