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Glite Dictionary
alligator lizard

alligator lizard

8.4
A slender lizard with short legs and a fold of skin on each side that lets the body expand
  • noun
  • /ˈælɪˌɡeɪtər ˈlɪzərd/
  • US
translation icon : lagarto caimán
  • Alligator lizards are recognized by the unique fold of skin along their sides.

Examples

  • We spotted an alligator lizard basking on a sunny rock during our hike.

  • I saw an alligator lizard in my backyard.

  • The alligator lizard escaped quickly through the tall grass.

  • The alligator lizard is known for its unique appearance.

  • We spotted an alligator lizard basking on a sunny rock during our hike.

  • The alligator lizard escaped quickly through the tall grass.

  • The alligator lizard is known for its unique appearance.

Synonyms

Gerrhonotus
vsalligator lizard
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of lizards called alligator lizards that live in North and Central America

is narrower and refers to a slender short-limbed form in western North America

Surface Forms

alligator lizard singular
alligator lizards plural

Morphology

alligator + lizard

The noun phrase denotes a type of lizard named for its resemblance to an alligator, so the meaning is directly derivable from combining 'alligator' (a large reptile) and 'lizard' (a small reptile). This compositional, descriptive naming pattern is cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both words would readily infer the referent.

Etymology

Alligator lizard probably got its name because people thought it looked like a small alligator, with rough scales, a long body and a strong tail. That's why the name means a kind of lizard that looks like a tiny alligator.