snapping turtle

American  

noun

1. either of two large, edible, freshwater turtles of the family Chelydridae, of North and Central America, having a large head and powerful hooked jaws, especially the common snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentina.

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snapping turtle British  

noun

1. Also called: snapper.  any large aggressive North American river turtle of the family Chelydridae, esp Chelydra serpentina ( common snapping turtle ), having powerful hooked jaws and a rough shell

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Etymology

Origin of snapping turtle

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85

Compare meaning

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

• snapping turtle vs. alligator snapping turtle

Example Sentences

He lived peacefully with three female alligator snapping turtles named Donatello, Raphael and Morla, each of whom was believed to be at least 50 years old.

From Los Angeles Times

A snapping turtle emerges and settles a few feet away.

From Los Angeles Times

Organoids generated by Valenzuela's team came from samples collected in Iowa from juvenile spiny softshell and snapping turtles as well as juvenile, adult and embryonic painted turtles.

From Science Daily

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