scaly-tailed
|sca-ly-tailed|
/ˈskeɪliˌteɪld/
having scales on the tail
Etymology
'scaly-tailed' originates from Modern English as a compound combining the adjective 'scaly' and 'tailed' (from 'tail' + '-ed'), formed to describe an animal possessing scales on its tail.
'scaly' is formed in English from the noun 'scale' plus the adjectival suffix '-y'; 'tailed' is formed from the noun 'tail' plus the past-participle/adjectival suffix '-ed'. The compound pattern 'X-tailed' is a productive Modern English formation and produced 'scaly-tailed'.
Initially coined as a straightforward descriptive compound meaning 'having scales on the tail'; this literal meaning has remained stable in current usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having scales on the tail; (especially of an animal) with the tail covered in scales or scale-like plates.
The scaly-tailed lizard used its heavy, scaly-tailed defense to wedge itself into the crevice.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/26 01:23