anolis
/əˈnəʊlɪs/Zoology
noun
Originally: an anole (lizard). Later also (in form Anolis): a genus of lizards that comprises the anoles (family Polychrotidae or Iguanidae).
- Valid publication of the genus name: F. M. Daudin in C. S. Sonnini Buffon's Hist. nat., gén. et particulière des reptiles (1802) IV. 89..
Origin
Early 18th century; earliest use found in Phillips's New World of Words. From French anolis, reinterpretation of the plural form anolis as a Latinate singular. In later use after scientific Latin Anolis, genus name (1802; earlier in post-classical Latin as anolis, apparently ablative plural; from French).