What does squamate mean?
A squamate is a reptile in the order Squamata, the group that includes snakes and lizards as well as several less familiar burrowing and limbless forms. Their shared defining feature is a body covered with scales, although the scales vary greatly in shape and function. The word is primarily used in zoology, paleontology, and comparative anatomy, where it provides a convenient umbrella term for members of a large and diverse reptile order. Squamates are distinguished from turtles, crocodiles, and tuatara by their characteristic scaled skin and other anatomical features. As an adjective, squamate means relating to these reptiles or, more generally, covered with scales. The term is useful when discussing the evolutionary history of snakes and lizards or identifying fossil remains that can be placed within Squamata.
A reptile belonging to the order Squamata, including snakes and lizards.
"The newly discovered fossil is an early squamate with a small skull and elongated body."
This is a formal taxonomic term rather than a general synonym for either snakes or lizards.
Relating to squamate reptiles or having the scaly form associated with them.
"Preserved squamate scales provide clues to the animal's coloring."
The adjective is chiefly used in biological and anatomical contexts.
The plural is used for multiple members of the order Squamata, regardless of whether they are individually snakes, lizards, or related forms.
"Living squamates are found on every continent except Antarctica."
Snakes and lizards belong to Squamata, the largest order of living reptiles—and it was their shared scale-covered body plan that united them.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does squamate come from?
The word comes through Latin from squāma, meaning “scale,” with the taxonomic group named after the reptiles' characteristic scales. The English form dates to the 19th century and was adopted as the name for the order now called Squamata. Related English words include squamous and squamose, both of which refer to the presence or character of scales.
How squamate is actually used
In biology, the term is chiefly taxonomic and is not normally used for an individual snake or lizard informally. As an adjective, it can refer either to the scaled condition of a reptile or more broadly to something covered in scales.
Easily confused with squamate
A squamate is a member of the reptile order Squamata, whereas squamous means covered with scales or relating to scales.