Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Chelydra

Chelydra

9.9
A group of freshwater snapping turtles from the Americas, including the common snapping turtle
  • noun
  • /ˈkɛlɪdrə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Chelydra
  • The common snapping turtle belongs to the genus Chelydra.

Examples

  • The genus Chelydra is distinguished by its powerful jaws and aggressive behavior.

  • The Chelydra is known for its powerful bite.

  • Biologists studied the habitat range of several Chelydra species.

  • Did you see a Chelydra in the pond?

  • Biologists studied the habitat range of several Chelydra species.

  • The common snapping turtle belongs to the genus Chelydra.

  • The genus Chelydra is distinguished by its powerful jaws and aggressive behavior.

Compounds

Chelydra serpentina
  • Specialized
9.6

A large fresh water turtle from North America with a strong hooked jaw

Surface Forms

Chelydra singular
Chelydras plural

Etymology

Chelydra comes from an old Greek word chelys meaning 'turtle', the same root you find in the word chelonian. So the scientific name simply points to these freshwater snapping turtles as 'turtles', which helps explain why it is used for this strong-jawed group.