noun
reptile
REP-tyle/ˈreptaɪl/
A vertebrate of the scaly-skinned group including snakes and lizards.
A reptile relies on external heat to warm its body.
Etymology
The ancestor meant “creeping” or “crawling,” so reptile originally named animals by their movement close to the ground. Scientific usage narrowed this broad description to a particular vertebrate group.
In context
Turtles tortoises and terpins all belong to the same order the testudines they are an ancient group the only reptile more primitive is the Tuatara a unique lizard-like creature found only in New Zealand
More examples
- Turtles are reptiles, even though they spend much of their time underwater.
- This reptile sheds its skin as it grows.
- The zoo keeps its tropical reptiles in heated enclosures.
Forms
reptile · reptiles
reptilian adjective — Of, resembling, or characteristic of reptiles.