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Definition of spiny lizard

spiny lizard

Plural:spiny lizards
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spiny lizard Lexical Profile

• noun

1

North American Any of numerous diurnal lizards of the genus Sceloporus, native to North and Central America, characterized by heavily keeled, overlapping scales that give them a rough, prickly appearance.

Example

"While hiking in the arid scrublands of Texas, we spotted a Texas spiny lizard basking on a sunlit rock."

• Nearby Words

spinosaurus
spiny bush viper
spiny dogfish
spiny lizard
spiny softshell turtle
spiny-tailed iguana
spiny-tailed lizard

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the adjective 'spiny' (referring to the heavily keeled, pointed scales that give the animal a rough texture) and 'lizard' (from Latin 'lacertus'). Primarily used as a common name for the North American genus Sceloporus.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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