What does iguanid mean?
An iguanid is a type of lizard that belongs to the family Iguanidae, which comprises over 80 species of New World lizards. These reptiles are characterized by their scaly skin, long tails, and spiky back. Iguanids are found in a variety of habitats, from deserts to rainforests, and are native to the Americas. They are herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores, depending on the species. Iguanids have become popular pets, but many species are protected by laws due to habitat loss and hunting. The term iguanid is used in biology, zoology, and herpetology to refer to these fascinating creatures.
nounAny of the New World lizards of the family Iguanidae, which includes the iguana, anole, and basilisk.
- A type of lizard
- A member of the family Iguanidae
"The iguanid basked in the sun on a rock near the pond."
"The marine iguanid is found only in the Galapagos Islands."
"The green iguanid is a popular pet."
The plural form is used to refer to multiple species or individuals of the family Iguanidae.
"The zoologist studied several species of iguanids during her research trip."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of iguanid
The word iguanid is derived from the name of the iguana, a large lizard native to the Americas, and the suffix -id, which is used to form names of families or orders in biology. The term has been used in English since the 19th century to refer to the family Iguanidae.
Usage notes
The term iguanid is primarily used in scientific and zoological contexts.