sea turtle

American  

noun

1. any of several large turtles of the families Cheloniidae and Dermochelyidae, widely distributed in tropical and subtropical seas, having the limbs modified into paddlelike flippers: all sea turtles are either threatened or endangered through most of their range because of ocean pollution.

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Etymology

Origin of sea turtle

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

They have also been vocal in protecting vulnerable sea turtle species in Mexico and prominently feature sea turtle motifs in their concert set designs.

From Los Angeles Times

Every year, sea turtles emerge from nests on Florida's beaches and begin the difficult crawl from the sand to the sea -- a journey that plays a major role in whether they survive.

From Science Daily

Marine mammals reach similar danger at 29 pieces, while sea turtles need to ingest around 405 pieces to hit the same threshold.

From BBC

Green turtles are one of the largest species of sea turtles, named for the greenish colour of their body fat, which comes from their plant-based diet.

From BBC

A green sea turtle found tangled in fishing line in the San Gabriel River was released back into the ocean Friday in Seal Beach after a three-month recovery at Long Beach’s Aquarium of the Pacific.

From Los Angeles Times