skink
2 synonyms for skink, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A lizard of the family Scincidae, typically with small or reduced limbs and a long tail that can regrow if lost.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
sandfish
scincid
How to use skink
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a skink's tail
a species of skink
a blue-tongued skink
Skink is a neutral, everyday zoological term.
Etymology
The lizard sense of skink came into English from Middle French scinc, which derived from Latin scincus. The Latin word in turn came from the Ancient Greek skingos or skinkos.
Full origin of skink →Frequently asked questions
What is a skink?
A skink is a type of lizard belonging to the family Scincidae, often with small legs or none at all.
Can a skink regrow its tail?
Yes, a skink's tail can regenerate after being shed.
Where does the word skink come from?
It entered English from Middle French scinc, which traces back through Latin to an Ancient Greek word for the same lizard.
