lizard

A lizard is a reptile with dry scales, usually four legs, and often a long tail, though some kinds have very small legs or none at all. They live in many parts of the world, especially in warm places such as deserts, forests, and rocky areas. Some are tiny, like geckos, while others, like iguanas and monitor lizards, can grow quite large.

They are different from snakes because many of them have eyelids and visible ear openings. Some can drop their tails to escape from danger, and the tail may grow back later. People usually use the word in a literal way when talking about the animal itself, whether it is sitting on a wall, running across a stone, or resting in the sun.

The word "lizard" refers to a wide range of scaled reptiles that usually have four legs, a long body, and a tail, although some kinds have reduced legs or no visible legs at all. They are cold-blooded animals, so they depend on outside heat, such as sunlight or warm ground, to control their body temperature. Lizards live in many habitats around the world, including deserts, forests, grasslands, and even towns and cities. They are found on every continent except Antarctica.

There is great variety among them. Geckos are well known for climbing walls and ceilings. Chameleons are famous for color change, though they do this for more than simple camouflage. Iguanas often spend long periods resting in the sun, and monitor lizards include some of the largest living kinds. Many lizards eat insects, while others eat plants, eggs, or small animals.

In everyday English, the word is usually used literally. It can also appear in set phrases. For example, a "lounge lizard" is an informal term for a man who spends a lot of time in bars, clubs, or hotels trying to look smooth or attractive. Because these animals are often linked with stillness, watchfulness, and survival in hot, hard places, they also appear in stories and symbols in many cultures.

People may fear them, ignore them, or find them interesting, but the basic meaning stays the same: a small to medium-sized scaled reptile, often quick-moving and sun-loving, with a body shape that is easy to recognize.