flying dragon
flying dragon Lexical Profile
• noun
A mythical, often reptilian creature depicted with large wings and the ability to fly, prominently featured in folklore, fantasy literature, and medieval heraldry.
"The knight's shield was adorned with the emblem of a crimson flying dragon, serving as a fearsome symbol of his family's ancient legacy."
A small, arboreal agamid lizard of the genus Draco, native to the forests of Southeast Asia, characterized by wing-like membranes supported by elongated ribs that allow it to glide between trees.
"The researcher spotted a flying dragon effortlessly gliding from the high canopy to the trunk of a neighboring mahogany tree."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
A descriptive compound phrase combining 'flying' (from Old English fleogan) and 'dragon' (from Latin draco). It was applied by naturalists to the gliding lizards of the genus Draco due to their resemblance to miniature mythological beasts.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.