gecko

Everyday

A gecko is a small lizard that lives in warm countries, with sticky toe pads that let it climb walls and even walk on ceilings. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, geckos are reptiles with tiny hairs on their feet that help them grip; some can drop their tails to escape. In Australia and New Zealand, geckos live in gardens and houses; some are kept as pets. Phrases: «leopard gecko», «gecko feet».

Examples

• A gecko ran up the wall and across the ceiling. tree →
• Geckos can lose their tails to escape from predators. tree →
• We saw a green gecko in New Zealand. tree →
• Our class pet is a leopard gecko. tree →
• Geckos chirp and click at night. tree →
• Scientists study gecko feet to make sticky tape. tree →

Note

Plural: «geckos» (most common) or «geckoes». Geckos are reptiles, not amphibians. Wash your hands after touching reptiles, as they can carry germs. Not a number word.

In Jewish tradition

It is one of the creeping animals listed as unclean, not to be eaten or touched when dead.

Interpretation. The exact animal is uncertain, but tradition treats all of this list as forbidden "swarming things."

Examples

• and the gecko, and the land-crocodile, and the lizard, and the sand-lizard, and the chameleon. (Torah LEV.11.30, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Plural: «geckos» (most common) or «geckoes». Geckos are reptiles, not amphibians. Wash your hands after touching reptiles, as they can carry germs. Not a number word.