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Glite Dictionary
Varanus niloticus

Varanus niloticus

9.9
A large African lizard that lives near rivers and swamps
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Varanus niloticus
  • The Varanus niloticus is often seen basking on riverbanks in sub-Saharan Africa.

Examples

  • The Varanus niloticus is known for preying on crocodile eggs in the wild.

  • The Varanus niloticus is often found near water sources.

  • Researchers tracked the movements of several Varanus niloticus to study their migration habits.

  • Look at that Varanus niloticus!

  • Researchers tracked the movements of several Varanus niloticus to study their migration habits.

  • The Varanus niloticus is known for preying on crocodile eggs in the wild.

  • The Varanus niloticus is often seen basking on riverbanks in sub-Saharan Africa.

Synonyms

monitor
vsVaranus niloticus
2 9.1

A large tropical lizard that eats meat and has a long tail

refers specifically to the species found mainly near rivers and swamps in Africa
monitor lizard
vsVaranus niloticus
1 6.1

A large lizard from hot regions like Africa, Asia and Australia that eats meat

is the scientific species name for the African river and swamp specialist
varan
vsVaranus niloticus
  • UK
9.9

A large lizard that lives in hot places and hunts birds and mice

is the scientific species name for the African river and swamp dwelling form

Surface Forms

Varanus niloticus singular
Varanus niloticuses plural

Morphology

Varanus + niloticus

This is a Linnaean binomial combining a genus name (Varanus, monitor lizard) with a Latin species epithet (niloticus, ‘of the Nile’). If a learner actually knows both constituents and recognises the Latin epithet, the meaning (‘Nile monitor’) is derivable, but the epithet is specialized Latin and not transparently comprehensible to a typical B1 learner. Because the name is technical and requires domain/Latin knowledge, it is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Varanus niloticus gets its name from two parts: Varanus, which may come from an old word meaning 'monitor' because these big lizards often stand on riverbanks and seem to watch like guards, and niloticus, which means 'from the Nile'. So the name helps you remember a large river lizard that watches its surroundings and lives by the Nile.