slowworm
Definition
Noun: A small, legless, burrowing lizard native to Europe, characterized by its smooth, shiny skin, tiny eyes, and a snake-like appearance. It is often mistakenly thought to be blind.
Usage
The word "slowworm" is used to refer specifically to this species of reptile (Anguis fragilis). It functions as a countable noun.
Examples
- Noun:
- We found a slowworm under the log in the garden.
- Despite its appearance, the slowworm is a lizard, not a snake.
- The slowworm's diet consists mainly of slugs and worms.
Advanced Usage
- "as blind as a slowworm": An old simile, now considered inaccurate, used to describe someone or something as being blind or having very poor eyesight.
- The saying "as blind as a slowworm" is based on a myth, as they can actually see movement.
Variants and Related Words
- Blindworm (n): An archaic or alternative common name for the slowworm, stemming from the popular belief about its eyesight.
- Anguis fragilis (n): The scientific (Latin) name for the species.
Synonyms
- Legless lizard: A general descriptive term, though it can refer to other species.
- Glass lizard (in some contexts): Note that "glass lizard" typically refers to a different group of legless lizards, but the term is sometimes loosely applied.
Related Phrases
- To be a slowworm: A very rare, metaphorical use to describe something that moves or acts slowly and without limbs.
- The old, rusted conveyor belt moved like a slowworm.
Related Idioms
- (As) blind as a slowworm: An idiom expressing complete or near-complete blindness, based on the creature's folk reputation.
- Without his glasses, he's as blind as a slowworm.
Noun
-
small burrowing legless European lizard with tiny eyes; popularly believed to be blind
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