How Do You Spell IGUANA?

Pronunciation: [ˌɪɡjuːˈɑːnə] (IPA)

The word "iguana" is spelled with a hard "g" sound and is pronounced as /ɪˈɡwɑːnə/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "i" is pronounced as a short vowel "i", followed by the "g" sound which is pronounced with a slight stop in the back of the throat. The following "u" is pronounced with a long "oo" sound and the final "a" is pronounced with a short "a" sound. The spelling reflects the Spanish origin of the word, where the "g" is also pronounced with a hard sound.

IGUANA Meaning and Definition

  1. An iguana is a large, reptilian creature belonging to the lizard family, characterized by its robust body, elongated tail, and strong limbs. They are commonly found in tropical regions of Central and South America, as well as some Caribbean islands. The term "iguana" typically refers to the common green iguana, known scientifically as Iguana iguana, which is one of several species within the genus Iguana.

    These herbivorous reptiles exhibit distinct physical features, including their rough, scaly skin, which can vary in color from bright green to gray or brown, depending on their age and surroundings. Mature iguanas often possess a dorsal crest of spines along their back, which aids in thermoregulation and defense mechanisms. Known for their remarkable ability to adapt to arboreal habitats, iguanas are excellent climbers, utilizing their sharp claws and strong tail to maneuver from tree to tree.

    Iguanas rely on a primarily plant-based diet, contentedly consuming leaves, flowers, and fruits, although some species may also consume small insects or even occasional carrion. These reptiles are ectothermic, meaning their body temperature is greatly influenced by their surroundings. As such, they carefully manage their temperature by moving between sunny and shaded areas, frequently basking under the warmth of the sun to maintain an optimal level.

    Due to their captivating appearance and relatively placid demeanor, iguanas are occasionally kept as pets, although their size and specific environmental requirements make them suitable only for experienced reptile enthusiasts. In their natural habitats, iguanas play crucial roles in their ecosystems as seed dispersers, promoting plant growth and biodiversity.

  2. A genus of lizards of the family.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for IGUANA *

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Other Common Misspellings for IGUANA

Etymology of IGUANA

The word "iguana" comes from the Spanish “iguana”, which is derived from the Taíno word "iwana". The Taíno were indigenous people of the Caribbean and South America, and the word "iwana" referred specifically to the green iguana species, which was native to these regions. The term eventually made its way into Spanish during the colonization of the Americas and has since been adopted into various other languages.

Similar spelling words for IGUANA

Plural form of IGUANA is IGUANAS

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