Uromastyx
/ˌjʊərəˈmæstɪks/noun
A genus of herbivorous spiny-tailed lizards native to arid regions of Africa and Asia.
Did you know?Uromastyx species can lash attackers with their heavily spined tails, making the Greek name—“tail-whip”—a remarkably literal description rather than mystical folklore.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
οὐρά (ourá)
“Tail”
Ancient Greek
Greek
μάστιξ (mástix)
“Whip or scourge”
19th Century
Scientific Latin
Uromastyx
“A genus name formed from Greek ourá, “tail,” and mástix, “whip””
1820s
Scientific Latin
Uromastyx
“The taxonomic genus established for spiny-tailed desert lizards”
Modern English
English
uromastyx
“Any lizard belonging to this genus, commonly called a spiny-tailed lizard”