noun
monitor
A large tropical lizard.
The monitor rests on a warm rock in the sun.
Etymology
Latin monitor means a warner or adviser. The lizard name is traditionally associated with a belief that the animal warned of nearby crocodiles, rather than with an electronic device.
More examples
- A monitor flicks its forked tongue as it explores.
- Some monitors climb trees to search for food.
- The keeper feeds the monitor insects and small rodents.
Forms
monitor · monitors
Similar words
- lizard
- A broader term covering monitors and many other scaly reptiles.