a monitor lizard, Varanus komodoensis, of certain Indonesian islands E of Java, that grows to a length of 10 feet (3 meters): the largest lizard in the world; now rare.
Also called dragon lizard, giant lizard, Komodo lizard.
Origin
1925-30; named after Komodo, Indonesian island, its principal range
British Dictionary definitions for Komodo dragon
Komodo dragon
/kəˈməʊdəʊ/
noun
1.
the largest monitor lizard, Varanus komodoensis, of Komodo and other East Indian islands: grows to a length of 3 m (about 10 ft) and a weight of 135 kilograms (about 300 lbs.)
Word Origin and History for Komodo dragon
n.
1927, named for Indonesian island of Komodo, where it lives.