Definition

Noun: 1. A genus of legless lizards: Pygopus is the scientific name for the type genus of the family Pygopodidae. These are lizards native to Australia and New Guinea that have lost their forelimbs entirely and possess only very small, flap-like hind limbs, giving them a snake-like appearance.

Usage

• is used almost exclusively in scientific, zoological, or herpetological contexts to classify and discuss this specific genus of reptiles.
• It is always capitalized, as it is a proper noun (a genus name).

Examples

• The researcher published a paper on the evolutionary adaptations of .
• Several species, like (the common scaly-foot), belong to the genus .
• Unlike snakes, members of the genus have external ear openings.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic hierarchy, sits within the family Pygopodidae, which are commonly known as legless lizards or snake-lizards.

Variants and Related Words

• Pygopodidae (noun): The family name encompassing and other related genera of legless lizards.
• Pygopodid (noun/adjective): A member of the Pygopodidae family; relating to that family.
• Scaly-foot (noun): A common name for some species within the genus.

Synonyms

• Legless lizard (general common name)
• Snake-lizard (descriptive common name)

Note: There are no idioms or phrasal verbs associated with this highly specific scientific term.

Noun

1. type genus of the Pygopodidae; snake-shaped pleurodont lizard with no forelimbs and only rudimentary hind limbs