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Glite Dictionary
lacertid lizard

lacertid lizard

9.9
A small ground lizard found in warm places like Europe and Africa
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : lagarto lacértido
  • Researchers observed the quick movements of the lacertid lizard as it hunted insects.

Examples

  • The lacertid lizard is often seen basking in the sun.

  • Many lacertid lizards inhabit rocky areas.

  • A brightly colored lacertid lizard basked on the rocky outcrop in the midday sun.

  • The sand dunes are home to several species of lacertid lizard.

  • A brightly colored lacertid lizard basked on the rocky outcrop in the midday sun.

  • Researchers observed the quick movements of the lacertid lizard as it hunted insects.

  • The sand dunes are home to several species of lacertid lizard.

Synonyms

lizard
vslacertid lizard
103 1.0

A small animal with scaly skin, four legs, and a long tail

is the specific family member rather than the general reptile group
lacertid
vslacertid lizard
  • Specialized
9.9

A lizard that lives on land and is active during the day

is the same family member noted mainly for land-based habits

Surface Forms

lacertid lizard singular
lacertid lizards plural

Morphology

lacertid + lizard

The phrase is a straightforward taxonomic composition: 'lacertid' identifies membership in the Lacertidae family and 'lizard' names the animal, so the combined meaning is simply a lizard of that family. Although somewhat technical, the meaning is directly derivable from the constituents and follows a common adjective+noun pattern, making it comprehensible to a learner who knows both words.

Etymology

Lacertid lizard gets its name from lacertid, which comes from the old Latin word 'lacerta' meaning 'lizard', so the name is almost like saying lizard twice. It simply means a type of lizard that lives on the ground and belongs to the group called 'Lacertidae'.