reptile /ˈɹɛp.taɪl/noun 6adjective 2forms 1 noun6 •A (typically scaly and egg-laying) cold-blooded vertebrate tetrapod animal, of the class Reptilia (excluding birds), such as a lizard, turtle, snake, crocodile, alligator, etc. •Any member of the class Reptilia, including birds. •(old-fashioned) An animal belonging to either the class Reptilia or the class Amphibia. •(nonstandard, old-fashioned) An ectothermic, scaly animal, whether sauropsid or synapsid, of the clade Amniota.Prior to the 1990s, the non-mammalian synapsids were considered true reptiles. •(figurative, old-fashioned) An abject, grovelling, loathsome or repulsive person."That reptile," whispered Pott, catching Mr. Pickwick by the arm, and pointing towards the stranger. "That reptile — Slurk, of the Independent!" — 1836 •(old-fashioned) Any creeping or crawling animal, one that moves along close to the ground on its belly or on short legs, such as a lizard, snake, salamander, frog, toad, or scorpion. adjective2 •Creeping; moving on the belly, or by means of small and short legs. •Grovelling; low; vulgar.a reptile race or crew formsreptiles
