iguana
UK[ɪˈɡwɑːnə]US[ɪˈɡwɑːnə]
n
a large tropical american lizard with a spiny crest along the back and a dewlap under the chin.
Etymology
the word 'iguana' entered english in the mid-16th century via spanish, which itself borrowed it from the arawakan language of the west indies, likely from the taino word 'iwana'. this is a classic example of a loanword for a new world animal, where the indigenous name was adopted directly by european explorers and settlers. the term traveled from the caribbean into spanish and then into english, retaining its original form and reference. its journey reflects the colonial era's linguistic exchange, where local fauna were named using indigenous terms rather than classical or germanic roots.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword from spanish. no meaningful morphemes can be segmented from its current english spelling for etymological analysis.
Examples
the green iguana is often seen basking on branches overhanging the water.
we spotted a large iguana sunning itself on the rocks near the beach.
as a herbivore, the iguana's diet consists mainly of leaves, flowers, and fruit.