Megalania

noun

Mega·​la·​nia
-ˈlānēə
: a genus of extinct lizards related to but larger than the modern monitors and known from remains found in the Pleistocene of Queensland and the Asiatic Pliocene

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from mega- + -lania (from Greek ēlainein to wander about + New Latin -ia); from the terrestrial nature of such lizards

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near Megalania

Cite this Entry

“Megalania.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Megalania. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!