Tu`a*ta"ra (?), n. [Maori tuatàra; tua on the farther side (the back) + tara spine.]
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.
© Webster 1913