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Glite Dictionary
lacertilian

lacertilian

9.9
Relating to lizards and the way they act
  • adjective
  • /ləˈsɜrˌtɪliən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : lacertiliano
  • Many lacertilian animals can change color for camouflage.

Examples

  • The lacertilian anatomy shows a wide variety of limb structures.

  • This region is known for its rich lacertilian fauna.

  • Herpetologists studied the lacertilian scales under a microscope.

  • The lacertilian species are fascinating to study.

  • Herpetologists studied the lacertilian scales under a microscope.

  • This region is known for its rich lacertilian fauna.

  • Many lacertilian animals can change color for camouflage.

Synonyms

reptilian
vslacertilian
19 5.5

Having features like those of snakes or lizards

is narrower, applying only to lizard-specific traits
saurian
vslacertilian
  • Specialized
1 9.9

Having the shape and scaly skin of a lizard

is limited to characteristics of those animals rather than broader reptiles
lizardlike
vslacertilian
5.3

Having a lizard's look or movement, often quick and not showing much feeling

focuses on actual lizard characteristics rather than mere resemblance

Surface Forms

lacertilian positive

Morphology

lacertilian = Lacertilia (opaque) = lacertili + an

The adjective is formed from a Latin taxonomic stem (Lacertilia) rather than from the everyday English word 'lizard', so the connection is not obvious to most learners.

Etymology

Lacertilian comes from the Latin root lacert-, which means 'lizard'. So lacertilian describes something 'like a lizard', which is why scientists use it for lizard-related features.