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Definition of monitor lizard

monitor lizard

Plural:monitor lizards
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monitor lizard Lexical Profile

• noun

1

Any of various large, mostly carnivorous lizards of the family Varanidae, native to Africa, Asia, and Oceania, characterized by long necks, powerful tails, and highly developed limbs.

Example

"The Komodo dragon is the largest living species of monitor lizard and can bring down surprisingly large prey."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for monitor lizard

• Nearby Words

mongoose
monica
monitor
monitor lizard
monkey flower
monkeypox
monkeywrench

Word Origin & Etymology

The term 'monitor' stems from a traditional, though inaccurate, belief that these reptiles warned humans of the presence of crocodiles. 'Lizard' derives from Old French 'lesarde' and ultimately from Latin 'lacertus'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Monitor lizard. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/monitor lizard
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