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Definition of spiny-tailed monitor
spiny-tailed monitor
Plural:spiny-tailed monitors
spiny-tailed monitor Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
9
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
A medium-sized species of monitor lizard native to the arid regions of northern and western Australia, notable for its heavily scaled, spiky tail which it uses to securely wedge itself into rock crevices to evade predators.
Example
"Due to its manageable size and relatively docile nature, the spiny-tailed monitor has become highly sought after in the reptile pet trade."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The common name describes the lizard's distinctive, heavily keeled tail scales. 'Monitor' historically derives from the Latin 'monere' (to warn), originating from an old belief that these lizards warned of the presence of crocodiles.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Spiny-tailed monitor. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 15, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/spiny-tailed monitor