Lacertilia
(Science: zoology) An order of reptilia, which includes the lizards.
They are closely related to the snakes, and life the latter, usually have the body covered with scales or granules. They usually have eyelids, and most of then have well-formed legs; but in some groups (amphisbaena, glass-snake, etc) the legs are wanting and the body is serpentlike. None are venomous, unless heloderma be an exception. The order includes the chameleons, the Cionocrania, or typical lizards, and the amphisbaenas. See amphisbaena, gecko, gila monster, and lizard.
Origin: NL, fr. L.lacertus a lizard.
Dictionary > Lacertilia
