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

1. any of two or three large heavy-bodied lizards; only known venomous lizards