sungazer
sungazer Lexical Profile
sungazer Game Scores & Validity
• noun
South African A large, heavily armored lizard native to the Highveld grasslands of South Africa, known for its characteristic behavior of elevating its upper body and head to face the sun.
"The sungazer is a vulnerable species threatened by agricultural habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade."
A person who engages in the practice of looking directly into the sun, typically during sunrise or sunset, for spiritual meditation or purported health benefits.
"Despite repeated warnings from ophthalmologists about the risk of permanent retinal damage, the dedicated sungazer continued his morning ritual."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
A compound of 'sun' and 'gazer'. As a zoological term, the lizard was given this common name because of its characteristic thermoregulatory basking posture, which makes it appear to be staring directly at the sun.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.