WordGarden.ioreptile
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /rˈɛptaɪl/
US
- /ˈrɛptaɪl/
Meanings
Noun
a cold-blooded vertebrate animal such as a snake, lizard, turtle, or crocodile
an insulting term for a despicable or morally repulsive person
Beyond the definition
Reptiles are fascinating creatures - think scaly skin, cool bodies that warm up in the sun, and a way of life often tied to heat and shelter. This group includes snakes, lizards, turtles, crocodiles, and alligators. Unlike mammals, they do not make enough body heat on their own, so they depend on the world around them, such as sunlight or warm ground, to warm up.
The word "reptile" comes from the Latin word repere, meaning "to creep." That fits many of them well - from a snake sliding through grass to a lizard moving across a hot rock. Some are feared, but many are harmless and important in nature. You might see one while hiking, near water, or at a zoo.
The term "reptile" refers to a group of vertebrate animals that usually have scales, breathe air, and depend on outside heat to control body temperature. This group includes snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises, crocodiles, and alligators. Most reptiles lay eggs, though some give birth to live young. Many have four limbs, but some, such as snakes, do not.
Reptiles have lived on Earth for a very long time and were among the early vertebrates to live fully on land. Over millions of years, they adapted to many environments, from deserts and forests to rivers and swamps. Different kinds developed different strengths: venom in some snakes, hard shells in turtles and tortoises, and strong jaws in crocodilians.
The study of reptiles is part of herpetology, the branch of zoology that also covers amphibians. Reptiles are often misunderstood. Some species are dangerous, but most are not, and many help keep ecosystems balanced by eating insects, rodents, or other small animals, while also becoming food for larger hunters. The word is common in science, education, zoos, and everyday talk about wildlife.
So, from a tiny gecko to a massive crocodile, a reptile is part of an ancient and adaptable group of animals that still captures people's attention today.
Examples
- 1
Pet care
Some reptiles are easier to care for than others.
- 2
Pet choice
Her son wants a reptile as a pet, but she would rather get a dog.
- 3
Body temperature
Many reptiles spend time in the sun to warm up.
- 4
Zoo exhibit
We spent an hour in the reptile house at the zoo.
- Phrasereptile house
the part of a zoo where reptiles are kept
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Fear reaction
She likes most animals, but large reptiles make her nervous.
See also
Shades of meaning
- cold-blooded animal
- saurian
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- reptile species
- pet reptile
- reptile enclosure
Word family
Explore
- vertebrate
- herpetology
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- reptilenoun
Forms
- reptilespluralnoun