Definition

Noun: * A common and widely distributed lizard of Europe and central Asia: Lacerta agilis is the scientific name for a specific species of lizard, commonly known as the sand lizard. It is a small to medium-sized reptile found across many parts of Europe and into central Asia.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The biologist studied the habitat preferences of Lacerta agilis. (The biologist studied the habitat preferences of the sand lizard.)
  • A key identifying feature of Lacerta agilis is the presence of dark spots along its back. (A key identifying feature of the sand lizard is the presence of dark spots along its back.)
  • Conservation efforts are important for protecting populations of Lacerta agilis in some regions. (Conservation efforts are important for protecting populations of the sand lizard in some regions.)

Advanced Usage

• In binomial nomenclature: The term is used in its full, italicized form () to precisely identify the species within scientific and academic contexts. The first part () denotes the genus, and the second () specifies the species.
  • The study compared the behavior of Lacerta agilis to that of other lizards in the genus Lacerta. (The study compared the behavior of the sand lizard to that of other lizards in the genus Lacerta.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sand lizard (n): The common English name for .
  • We spotted a sand lizard basking on the heath.
• Lacerta (n): The genus to which this species belongs, containing many other lizard species.
  • The genus Lacerta includes several agile, ground-dwelling lizards.

Synonyms

• Sand lizard: The direct common name equivalent.

Notes on Meaning

• This term has a single, specific meaning as a scientific name for a particular reptile species. It is not used in general language or with figurative meanings.

Noun

1. a common and widely distributed lizard of Europe and central Asia