Reptiles

/ˈrɛptaɪlz/ noun

Definition

Cold-blooded vertebrate animals with scaly skin that typically lay eggs, including snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles.

Etymology

From Latin 'reptilis' (creeping), from 'repere' (to creep or crawl). The term was coined to describe these creatures' characteristic slithering movement.

Kelly Says

Reptiles have been misunderstood for millennia as 'cold-blooded and emotionless,' but modern neuroscience shows they have genuine emotions, preferences, and social bonds—the term 'reptilian brain' that labels them as primitive is actually a scientific myth that neuroscientists now reject.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

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