teju

noun

te·​ju
təˈzhü
variants or less commonly tegu
-ˈgü
plural -s
: any of several large blackish South American lizards of the genus Tupinambis (family Teiidae) that have yellow or white bands across the back, grow to a length of about three feet, often raid hen roosts, and are hunted as pests and for their flesh which is regarded as a delicacy

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese tejú, teiú, from Tupi & Guarani tejú, teyú

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Cite this Entry

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

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