Saurian
/ˈsɔːriən/noun
Relating to or resembling lizards or reptiles, especially ancient reptiles.
Did you know?The root behind *saurian* is Greek *sauros* (“lizard”), the same ancient word that later helped name dinosaurs—literally “terrible lizards.”
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
sauros
“lizard, reptile”
18th Century
Greek/Latin
-saurus
“forming scientific names for lizard-like reptiles”
19th Century
English
saurian
“of or relating to lizards or reptiles”
Modern English
English
saurian
“a lizard-like reptile, especially an extinct one”
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