varan
/'værən/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A large tropical carnivorous lizard: A varan is any of various large, carnivorous lizards belonging to the genus Varanus, native to Africa, Asia, and Australia. They are known for their elongated bodies, powerful limbs, and forked tongues.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The Komodo dragon is the largest species of varan.
- We observed a varan hunting for small mammals near the riverbank.
Advanced Usage
- Scientific context: In herpetology, "varan" is often used interchangeably with "monitor lizard" to refer to members of the family Varanidae.
- The study focused on the evolutionary biology of Australian varans.
Variants and Related Words
- Varanid (noun): A technical term for any lizard of the family Varanidae; a monitor lizard.
- Varanids are characterized by their well-developed limbs and necks.
- Varanoid (adjective/noun): Pertaining to or resembling a varan; or, a member of the superfamily Varanoidea.
- Fossil evidence suggests varanoid lizards were more widespread in the past.
Synonyms
- Monitor lizard: The most common general synonym for varan.
- Goanna: A common name used specifically for Australian monitor lizards.
Related Phrases
- "Varan species": Used to specify types within the genus.
- Several varan species are considered vulnerable due to habitat loss.
Noun
- any of various large tropical carnivorous lizards of Africa and Asia and Australia; fabled to warn of crocodiles