Lacertilia

plural noun

Lac·​er·​til·​ia
ˌlasə(r)ˈtilēə
: a division of Reptilia (usually a suborder of Squamata) comprising the true lizards, chameleons, geckos, and various related limbless forms all related closely to the snakes in structure and of origin no earlier apparently than the Jurassic and typically distinguished by a tapering tail, well-developed pentadactyl limbs, a scaly or tuberculated skin, and movable eyelids compare gila monster

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Lacerta + -ilia (as in New Latin Reptilia)

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Cite this Entry

“Lacertilia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Lacertilia. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

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