squamate
noun
squa·mate
ˈskwā-ˌmāt 
ˈskwä-
: any of an order (Squamata) of reptiles including the snakes and lizards and related extinct forms
squamate
adjective
Examples of squamate in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Phylogenetic analyses yield conflicting results: some position it near the base of squamates, others as a distant relative separate from both major lizard clades and snakes, highlighting the limits of fragmentary amber fossils.
—
Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Their phylogenetic map confirmed that snakes are evolving into new ecological niches and physical forms about three times faster than other squamates, and that most of that evolution has occurred over the past 70 to 100 million years or so.
—Popular Science, 22 Feb. 2024
Using new genetic sequences from more than 1,000 species and additional existing data from nearly 7,000 reptile species, the researchers constructed one of the most detailed ever evolutionary trees of lizards and snakes, which together are known as squamates.
—Popular Science, 22 Feb. 2024
The lack of direct research on female and intersex squamates has only created confusion.
—Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Mar. 2023
Megachirella's detailed features weren't completely discernible, and scientists didn't have a comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary timeline for squamates.
—Sarah Gibbens, National Geographic, 31 May 2018
But the previous oldest squamate fossil discovered was only about 180 million years old.
—Laura Yan, Popular Mechanics, 3 June 2018
Despite occupying so much of the Earth, scientists have found gaps in its understanding of squamate lineage.
—Laura Yan, Popular Mechanics, 3 June 2018
But, as Nicola Davis reports at The Guardian, a new study suggests that squamates actually evolved before The Great Dying and powered through this cataclysmic period.
—Jason Daley, Smithsonian, 1 June 2018
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Their phylogenetic map confirmed that snakes are evolving into new ecological niches and physical forms about three times faster than other squamates, and that most of that evolution has occurred over the past 70 to 100 million years or so.
—Popular Science, 22 Feb. 2024
Using new genetic sequences from more than 1,000 species and additional existing data from nearly 7,000 reptile species, the researchers constructed one of the most detailed ever evolutionary trees of lizards and snakes, which together are known as squamates.
—Popular Science, 22 Feb. 2024
The lack of direct research on female and intersex squamates has only created confusion.
—Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Mar. 2023
Megachirella's detailed features weren't completely discernible, and scientists didn't have a comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary timeline for squamates.
—Sarah Gibbens, National Geographic, 31 May 2018
But the previous oldest squamate fossil discovered was only about 180 million years old.
—Laura Yan, Popular Mechanics, 3 June 2018
Despite occupying so much of the Earth, scientists have found gaps in its understanding of squamate lineage.
—Laura Yan, Popular Mechanics, 3 June 2018
But, as Nicola Davis reports at The Guardian, a new study suggests that squamates actually evolved before The Great Dying and powered through this cataclysmic period.
—Jason Daley, Smithsonian, 1 June 2018
Cite this Entry
“Squamate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squamate. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share