Definition

Noun: * A species of legless lizard: Anguis fragilis is the scientific name for a specific reptile, commonly known as the slowworm or blindworm. It is a small, burrowing, legless lizard native to Europe, characterized by its smooth, shiny scales, tiny eyes, and the ability to shed its tail when threatened.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • While gardening, I uncovered an Anguis fragilis under a log.
  • Despite its snake-like appearance, Anguis fragilis is actually a lizard.
  • The Anguis fragilis is often mistaken for a snake due to its lack of legs.

Advanced Usage

• In binomial nomenclature: The term is used in its italicized form () to precisely identify the species in scientific or zoological contexts, distinguishing it from common names which can vary by region.
  • The study focused on the population genetics of Anguis fragilis in the British Isles.*

Variants and Related Words

• Slowworm (n): The most common English name for this species.
  • The slowworm is a protected species in many countries.
• Blindworm (n): An older or alternative common name, stemming from the creature's small, inconspicuous eyes.
  • The blindworm is neither blind nor a worm.

Synonyms

• Slowworm
• Blindworm

Notes on Meaning

• Scientific vs. Common Name: is the formal, internationally recognized Latin name. The common names "slowworm" and "blindworm" are used in everyday language but can be ambiguous.
• Misidentification: A key point of usage is to clarify that is not a snake but a legless lizard, a distinction important in biology and wildlife education.

Noun

1. small burrowing legless European lizard with tiny eyes; popularly believed to be blind