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Glite Dictionary
spectacled caiman

spectacled caiman

9.9
A reptile like a small crocodile with bony ridges above the eyes from Mexico to Argentina
  • noun
  • /ˈspɛktəˌkəld ˈkeɪmən/
  • US
translation icon : caimán de anteojos
  • We saw a spectacled caiman basking on the riverbank during our trip to Costa Rica.

Examples

  • Because of its adaptability, the spectacled caiman thrives in a wide variety of freshwater habitats.

  • The spectacled caiman is known for the distinct bony ridge between its eyes.

  • The spectacled caiman is often found in freshwater habitats.

  • In the wetlands, the spectacled caiman hunts for fish.

  • The spectacled caiman is often found near rivers and swamps throughout Central and South America.

  • In the wetlands, the spectacled caiman can often be seen sunbathing on the riverbanks.

  • Researchers studied the behavior of the spectacled caiman in its natural habitat to understand its role in the ecosystem.

Synonyms

Caiman sclerops
vsspectacled caiman
  • Specialized
9.9

A crocodile-like animal with bony ridges above its eyes that lives in rivers and lakes in Central and South America

is the common English name for the same species

Surface Forms

spectacled caiman singular
spectacled caimans plural

Morphology

spectacled + caiman

The noun phrase is fully compositional: 'spectacled' describes having spectacle-like markings or ridges around the eyes and 'caiman' names the reptile, so the phrase denotes a caiman with such eye ridges. This adjective + noun combination is a straightforward descriptive pattern, so a B1 learner who knows both words would be able to infer the meaning.

Etymology

Spectacled caiman gets its name from the small bony ridge between its eyes that looks like a pair of spectacles or 'glasses'. That's why the part spectacled points to this face mark and helps people tell this kind of caiman from others.