lizard

Definition

Any reptile of the order Squamata that is not a snake or part of Mosasauria — typically characterised by a rounded torso, a short neck with an elevated head, four limbs and a long tail, although some species are legless.

Etymology

From Middle English lesarde, lisarde, from Anglo-Norman lusard, from Old French lesard (compare French lézard), from Latin lacertus, which is of obscure origin. Displaced native Middle English aske, from Old English āþexe (> modern English ask, askard).

Example Sentences

• "The cicale above in the lime, / And the lizards below in the grass, / Were as silent as ever old Tmolus was, / Listening to my sweet pipings."
• "The forms of the serpent and lizard exhibit almost every element of beauty and horror in strange combination; […]"
• "Hooded rattlesnakes, horned toads, and lizards crawl in the dust and among the rocks."