venomous lizard
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A type of large, heavy-bodied lizard that possesses venom glands. This term specifically refers to the only known lizard species that are venomous.
Usage Notes
The term "venomous lizard" is a specific zoological classification. It is used as a countable noun. The plural form is "venomous lizards." It refers exclusively to lizards that produce venom, which is a rare trait among lizards.
Examples
- The Gila monster is a well-known venomous lizard native to the southwestern United States.
- Scientists study the unique venom of these venomous lizards.
- Only two species of venomous lizard are recognized: the Gila monster and the Mexican beaded lizard.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in herpetology (the study of reptiles and amphibians) and in discussions about venomous animals to highlight an exception within the lizard family.
- It can be used attributively (like an adjective) in compound nouns, such as "venomous lizard species" or "venomous lizard bite."
Variants and Related Words
- Gila monster (): A venomous lizard found in the southwestern U.S. and northwestern Mexico.
- Mexican beaded lizard (): A venomous lizard found in Mexico and Guatemala.
- Helodermatidae: The family name for venomous lizards.
- Venomous: (Adjective) Producing venom.
- Lizard: (Noun) A general term for a reptile of the suborder Lacertilia.
Synonyms
- Helodermatid lizard (more scientific term)
- Beaded lizard (specifically for )
- Gila monster (specifically for )
Antonyms
- Non-venomous lizard
- Harmless lizard
Related Phrases/Idioms
- "As rare as a venomous lizard": An informal phrase highlighting something very uncommon, though not a standard idiom. (True venomous lizards are exceptionally rare among the thousands of lizard species.)
Noun
- any of two or three large heavy-bodied lizards; only known venomous lizards