six-lined racerunner
- noun
- /sɪks laɪnd ˈreɪsərˌrʌnər/
- US
- The six-lined racerunner darted across the sunlit path before disappearing into the underbrush.
Examples
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While hiking, they spotted a six-lined racerunner basking on a warm rock near the trail.
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Many reptile enthusiasts keep the six-lined racerunner for its speed and striking appearance.
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The six-lined racerunner is known for its speed.
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Many six-lined racerunners can be found in warm areas.
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The six-lined racerunner quickly scurried away when it sensed danger.
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On a hot summer day, we often see a six-lined racerunner darting between the rocks.
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The presence of a six-lined racerunner indicates a healthy ecosystem in the area.
Synonyms
A fast lizard with six lines on its back that lives in eastern and central United States
A fast lizard that lives in dry sandy places and runs quickly to escape danger
A very fast lizard that lives in the eastern and central United States
Surface Forms
Morphology
six-lined + racerunner
The phrase is transparently compositional: 'six-lined' clearly means 'having six lines/stripes' and 'racerunner' is analyzable as a compound suggesting a fast runner (here a quick lizard). A B1 learner who knows the constituents can therefore infer the meaning—a fast lizard characterized by six light stripes—without prior exposure.
Etymology
Six-lined racerunner describes the lizard's look and speed: six-lined shows the six pale stripes along its body, and racerunner creates the image of a lizard that runs very fast. So, the name means 'a very fast lizard with six lines'.