Pronunciation: [skwˈɒme͡ɪt] (IPA) 
Squamate is a word commonly used in biology to describe animals with scales, such as snakes and lizards. The spelling of the word is pronounced /skweɪ.meɪt/. The first syllable is pronounced like the word "squee", followed by "mate". The "u" in "squamate" is pronounced like the "u" in "cut", while the "a" is pronounced like the "a" in "mate". The word "squamate" comes from the Latin word "squama" which means "scale".
Squamate is an adjective used primarily in the field of zoology and refers to animals that possess or are characterized by scales. Derived from the Latin word "squama" meaning "scale," squamate describes a particular group of reptiles known as the Squamata.
The Squamata order encompasses the largest group of reptiles, including lizards and snakes. These creatures are recognized by their scaly skin, which provides them with protection from harsh environmental conditions, predators, and aids in minimizing water loss. The presence of scales distinguishes squamates from other reptiles like turtles or crocodiles, as they have a unique epidermal structure.
In addition to having scales, squamates possess other defining characteristics. They have a well-developed jaw, usually equipped with sharp teeth, and many are capable of shedding and regenerating their tails. Furthermore, squamates possess a forked tongue used for chemoreception, enabling them to detect prey and their surroundings.
Squamates exhibit an incredible diversity, occupying various terrestrial, arboreal, and aquatic habitats across the globe. With over 10,000 recognized species, they display a wide range of adaptations and behaviors, making them a fascinating and important group of reptiles for biological study.
Overall, squamate refers to animals with scales and is a descriptive term commonly used in scientific research, helping to distinguish and categorize reptiles in the Squamata order.
Squamous, scale-like, scaly.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "squamate" is derived from the Latin term "squama", which means "scale". The suffix "-ate" is often added to root words to form adjectives. So, combining "squama" with "-ate" results in "squamate", ultimately referring to something that has scales. In the context of biology, "squamate" is commonly used to describe reptiles that have scales, such as snakes and lizards.
