Lacerta

noun

La·​cer·​ta lə-ˈsər-tə How to pronounce Lacerta (audio)
1
: a genus (the type of the family Lacertidae) of lizards formerly including nearly all known lizards but now restricted to certain typical Old World forms see green lizard, sand lizard
2
astronomy : a northern constellation that is visible between the constellations of Andromeda and Cygnus and that is represented by the figure of a lizard
The constellation Lacerta, the lizard, resides between the well-known patterns of Cygnus, the Swan, and Queen Cassiopeia, yet few people are aware of it. That's probably because the reptile's brightest stars are only fourth magnitude, and it rests in the midst of the Milky Way band among a multitude of faint stars.Tulsa World, 10 Oct. 2004

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, lizard

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Lacerta

Cite this Entry

“Lacerta.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Lacerta. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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