crocodilian

[krok-uh-dil-ee-uhn]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

any reptile of the order Crocodylia, comprising the true crocodiles and the alligators, caimans, and gavials.

adjective

of, like, or pertaining to a crocodile.
hypocritical; insincere.

crocodilian

/ ˌkrɒkəˈdɪlɪən /

noun

any large predatory reptile of the order Crocodilia, which includes the crocodiles, alligators, and caymans. They live in or near water and have a long broad snout, powerful jaws, a four-chambered heart, and socketed teeth

adjective

of, relating to, or belonging to the Crocodilia
of, relating to, or resembling a crocodile

crocodilian

Any of various semiaquatic reptiles of the order Crocodilia, including the alligators, crocodiles, caimans, and gavials. Crocodilians are squat, massive, and lizardlike, with long, powerful jaws, long, heavy tails, short legs, and thick, plated skin. Like dinosaurs, crocodilians are archosaurs, and their closest modern relatives are the birds.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of crocodilian¹

crocodile + -ian; crocodilian defs. 1, 2 were first recorded in 1835–40 and crocodilian def. 3 in 1625–35

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Trumpworld version of Superman would fly that boy to “Alligator Alcatraz” to show him how cool it is to imprison immigrants in a swamp infested with crocodilians.