rhizoverbBeta
DictionarysaurianLizard or similar reptile
noun / adjective

saurian

SOR-ee-un/ˈsɔːriən/

A lizard or similar reptile, or relating to one.

The small saurian basks on a rock in the sun.

Lizard-like reptilian skin and clawed foot close-up beside complete small lizard, scaly saurian features.
Etymology
saurGreeklizard
+ianEnglishrelating to

The lizard root supplied the name Sauria for a reptile group. Meaning “belonging to the Sauria,” the adjective connects lizards with the broader description of something as reptile-like.

More examples

  • Several saurians dart into cracks as we approach.
  • The fossil preserves a skull with distinctly saurian features.
  • The exhibit compares saurian scales with the feathers of birds.

Forms

saurian · saurians

Similar words

lizard
The ordinary name for the animal, without the broader resemblance.
reptile
A broader category that also includes turtles and snakes.
reptilian
Describes reptiles generally, rather than lizards or similar creatures.