Ablepharus

/æˈblɛfərəs/ noun

Definition

A genus of small legless lizards found in Africa and Asia that have no moveable eyelids.

Etymology

Scientific Latin name derived from Greek a- (without) + blephara (eyelids). Named descriptively for the most distinctive feature of these lizards—their permanently open eyes.

Kelly Says

The Ablepharus genus includes dozens of species of weird legless lizards with eyes that literally cannot close—imagine never being able to blink or protect your eyes from dust, which is why these lizards evolved transparent scales that can slide across their eyes instead!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.