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Definition of uromastyx
uromastyx
/ˌjʊərəˈmæstɪks/
u · ro · mas · tyx
Plural:uromastyxes
uromastyx Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
12
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
Any of various medium-to-large agamid lizards of the genus Uromastyx, native to arid, desert regions of North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, distinguished by their flat bodies and heavily armored, spiny tails.
Example
"The uromastyx relies almost entirely on the sparse desert vegetation it consumes to obtain necessary hydration, rarely needing to drink standing water."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for uromastyx• Rhymes for uromastyx
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the Ancient Greek 'ourá' (tail) and 'mástix' (whip or scourge), referencing the thick, heavily spiked tail these lizards swing to defend themselves against predators.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Uromastyx. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/uromastyx