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Glite Dictionary
alligator snapping turtle

alligator snapping turtle

1 7.9
A large freshwater turtle from the southeastern United States with three shell ridges and a powerful jaw
  • noun
  • /ˈælɪˌɡeɪtər ˈsnæpɪŋ ˈtɜrtl/
  • US
: tortuga de caparazón de alligator
  • The alligator snapping turtle is known for its powerful jaw and unique shell patterns.

Examples

  • The largest turtle in North America is the alligator snapping turtle.

    Blog text (2)

  • If you visit the southeastern United States, you might spot an alligator snapping turtle sunning on a log.

  • An alligator snapping turtle can weigh up to 200 pounds and is recognized by the three ridges on its shell.

Synonyms

alligator snapper
vsalligator snapping turtle
  • US
1 8.1

A large freshwater turtle with three ridges on its shell found in the southeastern United States

is the standard common name rather than the regional variant form
Macroclemys temmincki
vsalligator snapping turtle
  • Specialized
9.9

A very large freshwater turtle with three ridges on its back like an alligator snapping turtle

is the common name rather than the scientific name

Surface Forms

alligator snapping turtle singular
alligator snapping turtles plural

Morphology

alligator + snap + turtle

The noun is compositionally built: 'alligator' + 'snapping' modifies 'turtle' to describe a turtle that snaps powerfully or resembles an alligator, so a learner who knows the constituent words can infer it is a large snapping turtle. This descriptive modifier pattern is common and cross-linguistically transparent, making the meaning accessible to a B1 learner.

Etymology

The name alligator snapping turtle comes from two clear images: it has a rough, ridged shell and big head like an alligator, and it catches prey with a quick snapping motion, so the name describes a 'large freshwater turtle' with a 'powerful bite'.