Definition

1. Noun:
   • A very large monitor lizard: The Komodo dragon is the world's largest living species of lizard.
   • A specific reptile species: It is scientifically known as Varanus komodoensis and is native to a few Indonesian islands.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Komodo dragon is an impressive and powerful predator.
  • We saw a Komodo dragon resting in the sun during our trip to Komodo Island.
  • The zoo has a special exhibit featuring a Komodo dragon.

Advanced Usage

• "Komodo dragon" as an apex predator: This phrase emphasizes its role at the top of the food chain in its ecosystem.
  • As an apex predator, the Komodo dragon has no natural enemies on its home islands.

Variants and Related Words

• Monitor lizard (n): The general family of lizards to which the Komodo dragon belongs. All Komodo dragons are monitor lizards, but not all monitor lizards are Komodo dragons.

  • The Nile monitor is another large species of monitor lizard.

• Varanus komodoensis (n): The formal scientific (Latin) name for the Komodo dragon.

  • The study focused on the hunting behavior of Varanus komodoensis.

Synonyms

• Komodo monitor: A less common alternative name.
• Giant monitor: A descriptive term highlighting its size.

Related Phrases

• "Dragon of Komodo": A poetic or descriptive alternative phrasing, though "Komodo dragon" is the standard term.
  • Legends speak of the fierce dragon of Komodo.

Noun

1. the largest lizard in the world (10 feet); found on Indonesian islands