venomous lizard
- noun
- /ˈvɛnəməs ˈlɪzərd/
- The Gila monster is a well-known example of a venomous lizard found in North America.
Examples
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Unlike most reptiles, venomous lizards have specialized glands that produce toxic saliva.
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Scientists discovered that the bite of a venomous lizard can be harmful to humans.
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The venomous lizard can deliver a painful bite.
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Many people fear the venomous lizard due to its reputation.
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The Gila monster is a well-known example of a venomous lizard found in North America.
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Scientists discovered that the bite of a venomous lizard can be harmful to humans.
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Unlike most reptiles, venomous lizards have specialized glands that produce toxic saliva.
Surface Forms
Morphology
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.