Lacertilia

plural noun

Lac·​er·​til·​ia
ˌlasə(r)ˈtilēə
: a division of Reptilia (usually a suborder of Squamata) comprising the true lizards, chameleons, geckos, and various related limbless forms all related closely to the snakes in structure and of origin no earlier apparently than the Jurassic and typically distinguished by a tapering tail, well-developed pentadactyl limbs, a scaly or tuberculated skin, and movable eyelids compare gila monster

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Lacerta + -ilia (as in New Latin Reptilia)

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Lacertilia

Cite this Entry

“Lacertilia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Lacertilia. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!