Sauria

1 of 2

plural noun

Sau·​ria
ˈsȯrēə
1
in former classifications : a division of Reptilia comprising the lizards, crocodilians, and various extinct elongated limbed reptiles that superficially resemble lizards
2
in some classifications : a suborder of Squamata coextensive with Lacertilia

-sauria

2 of 2

noun plural combining form

-sau·​ria
ˈsȯrēə
: lizards : animals resembling lizards—in names of higher taxa
Pterosauria
Ankylosauria

Word History

Etymology

Plural noun

New Latin, from saurus lizard (from Greek saura, sauros horse mackerel, lizard) + -ia; akin to Greek saulos straddling, waddling, saukros delicate, graceful, psaukros nimble, psauein to touch, graze, and probably to Greek psēn to rub

Noun plural combining form

New Latin, from -saurus + -ia

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Cite this Entry

“Sauria.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Sauria. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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