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

See Examples For:

alligator snapping turtle

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

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

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

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

From BBC ● Jul. 13, 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