flying lizard
1
7.4
- noun
- /ˈflaɪɪŋ ˈlɪzərd/
- Indian
:
lagarto volador
- As I watched, the flying lizard effortlessly floated through the air, showcasing its unique gliding ability.
Examples
-
One flying lizard was lying on the floor, almost against the wall.
Fiction book (1999) -
For me, the most fascinating ones were the pair of flying lizards from Dilorgo.
Fiction book (1999) -
The flying lizards seemed stressed out by having the ape-bears watching them.
Fiction book (1999) -
The flying lizard in the enclosure across from you—how did it die?
Fiction book (1999) -
The flying lizard glided gracefully between the trees in the tropical forest.
-
A flying lizard can spread its winglike membranes to soar from one branch to another.
Synonyms
79
7.1
A small tropical lizard from Asia that glides by spreading winglike skin on its sides
A small Southeast Asian lizard with wing-like skin that glides between trees
A small tropical Asian lizard that glides between trees using winglike flaps of skin
A small lizard with skin flaps on its sides, legs, and tail that glides short distances between trees
A gecko with skin flaps that lets it glide between trees
How Far
- Philippine
- Indian
- Indian
1
7.4
1
3.8
- Philippine
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a lizard that flies or glides' is directly and compositionally derived from "flying" (moving through the air) + "lizard" (a reptile), so a learner who knows both words can infer the referent. This modifier+noun pattern is straightforward and cross-linguistically common, making the expression immediately understandable to a B1 learner.
Etymology
Flying lizard is the name for a small Asian lizard that spreads thin, winglike skin to glide between trees. Because it looks as if it is flying, people called it 'a gliding reptile', so the name means it can glide from tree to tree, not that it truly flies.