Goanna

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A sizable species of lizard that originates from Australia, recognized for its muscular body and lengthy tail, this animal occupies a range of environments while exhibiting both hunting prowess and tree-climbing skills
2. A large monitor lizard native to Australia, it is notable for its strong physique and agility, thriving in diverse habitats while demonstrating adept skills in both hunting and climbing
3. This species of monitor lizard found in Australia is characterized by its robust build and long tail, often inhabiting various environments and showcasing remarkable abilities in hunting and arboreal activities

Etymology: The Australian "goanna" is a respelling of "guana," itself a shortened form of "iguana," the Spanish-derived name for the Caribbean lizard. Early settlers who saw the large lizards of the Australian bush applied the familiar word to them, and over time the spelling drifted toward how the word was actually spoken. The result is a name that started life in the Caribbean and was carried to Australia by way of English colonial speech. The word's journey is a good example of how a loanword gets reshaped when it crosses into a new environment. The original "iguana" came from Spanish, which had adopted it from a Taíno name for the reptile, and English speakers brought it along as they colonised new lands. In Australia, the animals were quite unlike the Caribbean iguanas, but the name stuck to the most similar-looking lizards around, and the spelling eventually settled into the form that Australians use today.