An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The Lizard. A small constellation in the northern hemisphere, at about 22h right ascension, 45° north declination. Its brightest star is only of magnitude +3.8, and the constellation contains no other star above fourth magnitude. Its most famous object is BL Lacerta, the prototype → BL Lac objects. Abbreviation: Lac; genitive: Lacertae.

Etymology (EN): From L. lacertus (fem. lacerta) “lizard,” of unknown origin.

Etymology (PE): Calpâsé “lizard,” variants karpâsa, karisa, kelpasa; cf. Skt. krakacapad- “saw-footed, a lizard, chameleon,” from krakaca- “saw” + pad “foot” (Pers. pâ).