Saurian: meaning, definitions and examples

Repeated word, refer to the earlier context.

Commonly used to describe the large prehistoric reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic era. Also used metaphorically to describe something outdated.

• The museum has a new exhibit featuring life-sized dinosaur models
• / The company's old computer system is a real dinosaur

Refers to cold-blooded vertebrates such as snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles. Not specific to ancient or extinct species.

• The zoo's reptile house includes species from around the world

General term used to describe animals that lived in prehistoric times, not limited to reptiles.

• Mammoths are one of the most well-known prehistoric animals

Typically used in scientific or literary contexts to describe creatures that are like ancient reptiles, such as dinosaurs or prehistoric reptiles.

• The museum's new exhibit features several saurian skeletons
• The novel describes a saurian beast haunting the island

Used in everyday language to describe something that resembles a lizard, often used to emphasize physical appearance or movement.

• The strange creature had a lizard-like face
• Her movements were quick and lizard-like

Used broadly to describe anything that belongs to or is characteristic of reptiles. It can also carry a negative connotation when referring to someone's cold or unemotional behavior.

• The reptilian scales covered its body
• He had a reptilian smile that sent shivers down my spine

Used to describe something that has scales, often referring to the physical texture of skin or surface, applicable for both animals and objects.

• The dragon's scaled skin glistened in the sunlight
• Her costume was covered in scaled patterns