Anguis
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Definition
Noun 1. A genus of reptiles: The type genus of the family Anguidae, comprising legless lizards such as the slowworm or blindworm.
Usage
- The genus is represented by several species of legless lizards found in Europe and parts of Asia.
- Herpetologists study the unique biology of , which is often mistaken for a snake.
Advanced Usage
- In taxonomic classification, serves as the reference point (type genus) for the family Anguidae. Species within this genus are characterized by their lack of limbs, movable eyelids, and the ability to autotomize (shed) their tails.
Variants and Related Words
- Anguidae (noun): The family of lizards to which the genus belongs, including glass lizards and alligator lizards.
- anguine (adjective): Of or relating to snakes or snake-like creatures; serpentine. (Note: While derived from the Latin for snake, in a strict zoological context, it can relate to anguid lizards like those in the genus due to their serpentine form).
Synonyms
- Slowworm (common name for )
- Blindworm (common name for )
Different Meanings
- This word is a proper noun (the scientific name of a genus) and does not have other general meanings in modern English. It originates from Latin, where "anguis" means "snake."
Noun
- type genus of the Anguidae: blindworms