glass lizard: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowtechnical, zoological, naturalist
Quick answer
What does “glass lizard” mean?
A legless lizard (genus Ophisaurus) resembling a snake but possessing movable eyelids and external ear openings.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A legless lizard (genus Ophisaurus) resembling a snake but possessing movable eyelids and external ear openings.
The term is sometimes used informally to refer to similar legless lizards or figuratively to describe something fragile or brittle.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; it is a standard zoological term in both dialects.
Connotations
Neutral, scientific term in both.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, primarily confined to herpetological contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “glass lizard” in a Sentence
[glass lizard] + [verb: basks, autotomizes, burrows][adjective: Eastern, fragile] + glass lizardVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in zoology, biology, and ecology papers discussing reptilian morphology, evolution, or autotomy.
Everyday
Rarely used; might occur in nature documentaries or among reptile hobbyists.
Technical
Standard term in herpetology for species within the Anguidae family, subfamily Anguinae.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “glass lizard”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “glass lizard”
- Confusing it with a snake (it has eyelids and ear openings).
- Using 'glass lizard' as a general term for any legless lizard (it's genus-specific).
- Misspelling as 'grass lizard' (a different animal).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a legless lizard. Key differences include movable eyelids, external ear openings, and the ability to autotomise (drop) its tail.
Different species are found in North America, Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia, typically in dry, sandy, or grassy habitats.
The name refers to its tail, which can break into several pieces (like shattering glass) when seized by a predator—a process called caudal autotomy.
Yes, it can regenerate a new tail, although the regrown section is often shorter, discoloured, and composed of cartilage rather than original vertebrae.
A legless lizard (genus Ophisaurus) resembling a snake but possessing movable eyelids and external ear openings.
Glass lizard is usually technical, zoological, naturalist in register.
Glass lizard: in British English it is pronounced /ɡlɑːs ˈlɪzəd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡlæs ˈlɪzərd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None standard”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'GLASS' because its tail can shatter into pieces like glass, and 'LIZARD' because it's a true lizard, not a snake.
Conceptual Metaphor
FRAGILITY AS GLASS (due to tail autotomy).
Practice
Quiz
What primarily distinguishes a glass lizard from a snake?