tuatara

Tu`a*ta"ra, n. [Maori tuatàra; tua on the farther side (the back) + tara spine.] Defn: A large iguanalike reptile (Sphenodon punctatum) formerly common in New Zealand, but now confined to certain islets near the coast. It reaches a length of two and a half feet, is dark olive- green with small white or yellowish specks on the sides, and has yellow spines along the back, except on the neck.

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