Xantusiidae

plural noun

Xan·​tu·​si·​idae
ˌzantəˈsīəˌdē
: a small family of nocturnal carnivorous ovoviviparous terrestrial lizards of arid southwestern North America

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Xantusia, type genus (from János Xántus †1894 Hungarian ornithologist + New Latin -ia) + -idae

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Cite this Entry

“Xantusiidae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Xantusiidae. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

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