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venomous lizard

venomous lizard

7.3
A large lizard like a Gila monster that has poison in its bite
  • noun
  • /ˈvɛnəməs ˈlɪzərd/
translation icon : lagarto venenoso
  • The Gila monster is a well-known example of a venomous lizard found in North America.

Examples

  • Unlike most reptiles, venomous lizards have specialized glands that produce toxic saliva.

  • Scientists discovered that the bite of a venomous lizard can be harmful to humans.

  • The venomous lizard can deliver a painful bite.

  • Many people fear the venomous lizard due to its reputation.

  • The Gila monster is a well-known example of a venomous lizard found in North America.

  • Scientists discovered that the bite of a venomous lizard can be harmful to humans.

  • Unlike most reptiles, venomous lizards have specialized glands that produce toxic saliva.

Surface Forms

Morphology

venomous + lizard

The phrase is a straightforward adjectival modification where 'venomous' (capable of delivering venom) describes the noun 'lizard', so the combined meaning — a lizard that has venom — is directly derivable from the constituents. This compositional pattern is cross-linguistically common and would be immediately understandable to a B1 learner who knows both words.

Etymology

Venomous lizard is a simple compound: a lizard that is venomous, meaning its bite 'is poisonous' or 'has venom'. So it means 'a lizard that has venom', for example the Gila monster.