Definition of "reptile" in English

noun

1. (informal) Any member of the class Reptilia that is not a bird— a cold-blooded vertebrate with dry scales that usually lays eggs, such as a lizard, snake, turtle, tortoise, crocodile, alligator, etc.

2. (zoology, cladistic) Any member of Reptilia, including birds.

3. (loosely, historical) A reptile or amphibian.

4. (figuratively, dated) A mean, grovelling, loathsome or repulsive person.

adjective

1. Creeping; moving on the belly, or by means of small and short legs.

2. Grovelling; low; vulgar.

   • a reptile race or crew    reptile vices