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Definition of armadillo lizard
armadillo lizard
Plural:armadillo lizards
armadillo lizard Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
9
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
A species of heavily armored lizard (Ouroborus cataphractus) belonging to the family Cordylidae, native to the desert regions along the western coast of South Africa, characterized by its distinctive defensive behavior of rolling into a tight ring and biting its own tail.
Example
"When a predator approaches, the armadillo lizard quickly curls into a spiky circle to protect its vulnerable underbelly."
Word Origin & Etymology
Named for its physical and behavioral resemblance to the mammalian armadillo; both possess a spiky, armored appearance and share the unique defensive strategy of curling their bodies into a protective ball when threatened.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Armadillo lizard. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/armadillo lizard