Definition

Noun: 1. A small tropical Asian lizard capable of gliding: A "flying dragon" is a type of lizard, specifically of the genus Draco, found in Southeast Asia. It is known for its ability to glide between trees using wing-like membranes of skin (patagia) supported by elongated ribs.

Examples

• Noun:
  • We were lucky to spot a flying dragon gliding from one tree to another in the rainforest.
  • The flying dragon uses its brightly colored patagia for both gliding and display.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific context: In biology and herpetology, "flying dragon" is the common name for lizards in the genus . They are a classic example of adaptation for arboreal locomotion.
  • The study focused on the aerodynamics of the flying dragon's gliding membranes.

Variants and Related Words

• Draco (n): The scientific genus name for the flying dragon lizard.
  • The species Draco volans is one of the most common flying dragons.
• Gliding lizard (n): An alternative common name for the same animal.
  • Gliding lizards are fascinating subjects for evolutionary biologists.

Synonyms

• Gliding lizard: A direct descriptive synonym.
• Draco lizard: A synonym combining the scientific and common names.

Related Phrases

• Patagium (n): The technical term for the wing-like membrane used for gliding.
  • The flying dragon extends its patagia when it leaps.

Noun

1. any of several small tropical Asian lizards capable of gliding by spreading winglike membranes on each side of the body