alligator snapping turtle

American  

noun

1. a large American snapping turtle, Macroclemys temmincki, having three prominent ridges on its shell and a wormlike process on the floor of the mouth used to attract prey.

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Etymology

Origin of alligator snapping turtle

An Americanism dating back to 1790–1800

Compare meaning

How does alligator-snapping-turtle compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• snapping turtle vs. alligator snapping turtle

Example Sentences

The alligator snapping turtle discovered in Cumbria is off to a specialist reptile centre, with vets warning people against trying to get one for themselves.

From BBC

A small alligator snapping turtle pulled from a lake in Cumbia has been nicknamed Fluffy.

From BBC

An invasive alligator snapping turtle has been pulled from a Cumbrian tarn.

From BBC

The service proposed threatened status in April for the related Suwannee alligator snapping turtle, found in the Suwannee River basin in Georgia and Florida.

From Seattle Times

It features animals such as white-tailed deer, jackrabbit, alligator snapping turtle, lake sturgeon, blue jay and roseate spoonbill.

From BBC