heloderm Zool.
(ˈhiːləʊdɜːm)
[ad. mod.L. hēloderma, f. Gr. ἧλος nail + δέρµα skin.]
A large and repulsive-looking venomous lizard of the genus Heloderma, having its skin studded with warts or tubercles like heads of nails. There are two species, found in Mexico and Arizona.
| 1882 Proc. Zool. Soc. 632 Sir Joseph Fayrer made the subjoined remarks..I was present when the Heloderm bit two Guinea-pigs in the hind leg. 1895 Westm. Gaz. 17 Aug. 3/3 Mr. Tyrrell does not think the heloderm's poisonous bite would kill a man unless in exceptional cases. |
Hence heloˈdermatoid a., having the form or character of a heloderm; heloˈdermatous a., having a warty skin like a heloderm.