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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.


Etymology

Origin of alligator snapping turtle

An Americanism dating back to 1790–1800

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Example Sentences

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See Examples For:

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 Feb. 12, 2024

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

From BBC Feb. 10, 2024

While it is not illegal to own an alligator snapping turtle, vets do not recommend keeping them as pets due their complicated needs.

From BBC Feb. 9, 2024

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 Nov. 8, 2021

I always loved the huge alligator snapping turtle, watch your hands, but the huge gars, alligator gars and catfish are gone forever.

From New York Times Mar. 26, 2018

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