Definition

1. Noun:
   • A taxonomic family of reptiles: "Family Lacertidae" is the scientific name for a family of lizards commonly known as wall lizards or true lizards. These are primarily Old World lizards, meaning they are native to Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The sand lizard is a member of the family Lacertidae.
  • Biologists study the evolutionary history of the family Lacertidae.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic classification: The term is used in scientific contexts to categorize and discuss a specific clade of lizards. It is often contrasted with other lizard families like Iguanidae or Gekkonidae.
  • The specimen was definitively placed within the family Lacertidae based on its skeletal morphology.

Variants and Related Words

• Lacertid (noun/adjective): A common name for any lizard belonging to the family Lacertidae; also used as an adjective.

  • The lacertid darted into the rocks. (Here, 'lacertid' is a noun meaning a member of the family Lacertidae.)
  • We observed typical lacertid behavior. (Here, 'lacertid' is an adjective meaning 'of or relating to the family Lacertidae'.)

• Lacertilian (adjective): Pertaining to or characteristic of lizards in general. This is a broader term than "lacertid."

  • The fossil showed distinct lacertilian features.

Synonyms

• Wall lizards: A common name for many species in this family.
• True lizards: Another informal name for the family.
• Old World lizards: A descriptive term referencing their geographic distribution.

Related Phrases

• Family of lizards: A general phrase of which "family Lacertidae" is a specific instance.
• Lacertidae family: An alternative word order with the same meaning, though "family Lacertidae" is the standard form in taxonomy.

Noun

1. Old World lizards