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Definition of ornate monitor
ornate monitor
Plural:ornate monitors
ornate monitor Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
9
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
A large species of monitor lizard native to the tropical forests and savannas of West and Middle Africa, distinguished by its heavily built body, blunt snout, and striking dark skin marked with bright yellow spots or bands.
Example
"During our expedition in Central Africa, we observed a massive ornate monitor basking on a riverbank before it swiftly retreated into the water."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the English adjective 'ornate' (from Latin 'ornatus', meaning decorated), referring to its striking color pattern, and 'monitor' (from Latin 'monitor', meaning warner), a common name applied to varanid lizards based on a historical myth that they warned of approaching crocodiles.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ornate monitor. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 13, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ornate monitor