Reptile: meaning, definitions and examples

Refers to a large group of cold-blooded animals that typically have scaly skin and lay eggs. This is a general term that can be used to describe any animal in this category.

• The zoo has a diverse collection of reptiles, including snakes, lizards, and turtles.
• Reptiles are known for their ability to survive in harsh environments.

Commonly used to refer to snakes. The term 'serpent' often has a poetic or negative connotation, especially in literature and myth.

• In the ancient myth, the hero battled a giant serpent to save the village.
• The garden was home to a small, harmless serpent.

Primarily used to refer to lizards and sometimes dinosaurs. This term is useful when discussing these specific types of reptiles.

• Paleontologists discovered a new saurian fossil in the desert.
• Saurians have a unique way of moving that distinguishes them from other reptiles.

Specifically refers to turtles, terrapins, and tortoises. Use this term when you want to be specific about these types of reptiles.

• The chelonian exhibit at the aquarium features both freshwater and sea turtles.
• She wrote a research paper on the anatomy of chelonians.