Iguanas

/ɪˈɡwɑːnəz/ noun

Definition

Large lizards with spiky backs, originally from Central and South America, often kept as pets or found wild in warm climates.

Etymology

From Taíno (Caribbean Native American language) 'iguana,' brought into English when Europeans first encountered these creatures in the Caribbean and Central America.

Kelly Says

Iguanas can hold their breath underwater for up to 30 minutes and will drop their tails as an escape trick—the tail keeps wiggling to distract the predator while the iguana runs away and grows a new one.

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