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Pseudemys scripta

Pseudemys scripta

9.9
A freshwater turtle often kept and sold as a pet
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Pseudemys scripta
  • The Pseudemys scripta is one of the most popular turtles sold in pet stores worldwide.

Examples

  • The Pseudemys scripta is often found basking in the sun.

  • Scientists have studied the migration patterns of Pseudemys scripta in river basins.

  • Many families enjoy keeping a Pseudemys scripta in their home aquariums.

  • Many people keep Pseudemys scripta as pets.

  • Many families enjoy keeping a Pseudemys scripta in their home aquariums.

  • The Pseudemys scripta is one of the most popular turtles sold in pet stores worldwide.

  • Many people keep Pseudemys scripta as pets due to their friendly nature.

Synonyms

slider
vsPseudemys scripta
  • US
1 7.9

A freshwater turtle often kept as a pet

is the formal Latin species name rather than the common name

Surface Forms

Morphology

Pseudemys + scriptum

This is a Latin scientific name (a binomial) and functions as a proper noun for a turtle species rather than a compositional English phrase. Even if a learner knew the constituent forms (e.g. 'Pseudemys' or 'scriptum'), the parts are taxonomic/Latin elements and do not transparently yield the meaning 'a freshwater turtle (red‑eared slider)', so the sense is unpredictable to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Pseudemys scripta is a scientific name made of two old words: Pseudemys (meaning 'false turtle') and scripta (meaning 'written' or 'marked'), which points to the clear stripes and marks on this turtle's shell and head. So the name helps you remember this common pet turtle often called the 'red-eared slider'.