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Glite Dictionary
leopard lizard

leopard lizard

7.6
A large lizard with many dark spots that lives in the western United States and northern Mexico
  • noun
  • /ˈlɛpərd ˈlɪzərd/
  • US
translation icon : lagarto leopardo
  • During our hike, we spotted a leopard lizard basking in the sun.

Examples

  • The leopard lizard is well-camouflaged among desert rocks and sand.

  • Leopard lizards are known for their speed and agility when hunting.

  • I saw a leopard lizard in the desert.

  • The leopard lizard is known for its unique patterns.

  • On a sunny afternoon, we saw a leopard lizard darting quickly across the sand.

  • The leopard lizard blends seamlessly into its environment with its spotted skin.

  • While exploring the desert, we delighted in spotting a leopard lizard perched on a warm rock.

Synonyms

Gambelia
vsleopard lizard
  • Specialized
9.9

A large quick lizard called a leopard lizard that lives in dry parts of western North America

refers to a single large spotted species found in western US and northern Mexico

Surface Forms

leopard lizard singular
leopard lizards plural

Morphology

leopard + lizard

The phrase is a straightforward descriptive compound: 'leopard' (a spotted big cat) modifies 'lizard' to indicate a lizard with leopard-like spots, so the meaning is directly derivable from the constituents. This noun–noun compounding is a common, cross-linguistic naming pattern rather than an idiom, making it immediately comprehensible to a B1 learner who knows both words.

Etymology

Leopard lizard: The name leopard lizard comes from the animal's skin, which is covered with many dark spots that look like a small leopard. That's why the name refers to a large lizard with leopard-like spots.