Crocodylus
1
9.6
A group of large crocodile species that live in tropical rivers and coasts
- noun
- /ˈkrɒkəˌdaɪləs/
- Specialized
:
Crocodilus
- At the zoo, the Crocodylus basked in the sun, showcasing its powerful body.
Examples
-
The Crocodylus leaped out of the water, surprising the tourists on the riverbank.
-
For physical structure, hippo, elephant, and perhaps Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) are most important because of their size and abundance.
Academic text (2009) -
In the tropical wetlands, a Crocodylus silently waited for its next meal to come close.
Synonyms
9.5
A group of crocodile species named by scientists
is a genus described by large size, predatory behavior, and tropical distribution
Compounds
Crocodylus niloticus
- South African
9.9
A large dangerous crocodile that lives in rivers and lakes in Africa
Surface Forms
Crocodylus singular
Crocodyli plural
Etymology
Crocodylus comes from the old Greek krokódilos, made of krokè 'pebble' and drilos 'worm'. The idea of a 'pebble-worm' reminds us of a crocodile's rough, stony skin and slow crawling, which is why Crocodylus is used as the scientific name for this group of true crocodiles.