reptile
/'reptail/
Definition
- Noun:
- A cold-blooded vertebrate animal of the class Reptilia: This is the primary zoological definition. Reptiles are characterized by having scaly skin, breathing air, and typically laying eggs on land. They include animals such as snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodilians.
- (Derogatory) A contemptible or groveling person: This is a figurative, negative use of the word to describe a person considered to be mean, untrustworthy, or behaving in a servile manner.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Animal):
- The iguana is a reptile commonly found in tropical areas.
- Fossils show that dinosaurs were reptiles.
- Noun (Person):
- After he betrayed his friends, they called him a slimy reptile.
- The dictator was a cruel reptile who oppressed his people.
Advanced Usage
- "The reptile brain": A metaphorical term for the primitive, instinct-driven part of the human brain, associated with basic survival functions like aggression and fear.
- In a moment of panic, his reptile brain took over, and he reacted without thinking.
Variants and Related Words
- Reptilian (adjective): Pertaining to reptiles.
- The scientist studied reptilian anatomy.
- Reptilian (adjective, figurative): Suggestive of a reptile; cold, cunning, or sinister.
- He gave her a reptilian smile that made her shiver.
Synonyms
- Herpetofauna: (Scientific) The reptiles and amphibians of a particular region.
- Crawler: (Informal, for animal) Sometimes used for reptiles like snakes or lizards.
- Snake: (Figurative, for person) A deceitful or treacherous person.
- Toady: (Figurative, for person) A person who behaves obsequiously to gain advantage.
Related Phrases
- Cold-blooded: Literally describes an animal (like a reptile) whose body temperature varies with the environment. Figuratively, it can describe a person who is unfeeling or cruel.
- Reptiles are cold-blooded animals.
- The assassin was cold-blooded and efficient.
Related Idioms
- A snake in the grass: A hidden or treacherous enemy. (This idiom uses 'snake,' a type of reptile, but is not a direct idiom with the word 'reptile').
- Be careful of him; he's a real snake in the grass.
Noun
-
any cold-blooded vertebrate of the class Reptilia including tortoises, turtles, snakes, lizards, alligators, crocodiles, and extinct forms
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ gần giống
Từ chứa "reptile"
Từ có nhắc đến "reptile"