Reptilian

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ɹɛpˈtɪliən/

Definitions

1. Relating to the characteristics and behaviors of reptiles, such as scales and cold-bloodedness, while also describing personality traits that suggest cunning or deceitfulness
2. Connected to reptiles or their features like scaly skin and ectothermy ; exhibiting traits often linked to reptiles, such as cold-bloodedness or primal instincts
3. Related to members of the reptile class, including their biology and appearance ; describing someone or something with sly, instinctive, or ancient characteristics

Etymology: "Reptilian" is a straightforward formation: it combines "reptile," from Latin "reptilis," meaning "creeping" or "crawling," with the English suffix "-ian," which forms adjectives meaning "relating to" or "characteristic of." Its earlier rival was "reptilious," and the -ian form gradually took over the adjectival role that "reptile" itself had once filled. The figurative sense, describing a person as cold, cunning or deceitful, grew out of the animal's associations. Snakes and lizards were long seen as stealthy and cold-blooded, so calling someone "reptilian" borrowed that imagery of unfeeling calculation. The word thus moved from a plain zoological description to a way of characterising human temperament.

Synonyms: serpentine, cold-blooded, lizard-like

Antonyms: mammalian, warm-blooded