Gila monster

/ˈhilə ˈmɑnstɚ/

UK: /ˈhiːlə ˈmɒnstə(ɹ)/

Gila monster

English Noun

Definition

A venomous lizard, Heloderma suspectum, that lives in the deserts of the southwestern USA and northwestern Mexico.

Etymology

From the Gila River in Arizona and New Mexico, whose name may ultimately derive from a Yuma word meaning "running water which is salty".