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Glite Dictionary
spiny softshell

spiny softshell

9.5
A freshwater turtle with a soft, warty shell that lives in calm rivers and lakes
  • noun
  • US
translation icon : tortuga de caparazón blando espinosa
  • The spiny softshell is often found basking on sandy riverbanks during the summer.

Examples

  • We spotted a young spiny softshell swimming near the reeds in the slow-moving creek.

  • Unlike other turtles, the spiny softshell can move surprisingly fast on land.

  • The spiny softshell is often found in slow-moving rivers.

  • Many spiny softshells inhabit the wetlands of California.

  • The spiny softshell turtle prefers calm waters where it can hide among the vegetation.

  • We spotted a spiny softshell sunning itself on a log by the quiet pond.

  • The spiny softshell is known for its distinctive soft shell and can often be seen near shallow waters.

Synonyms

Trionyx spiniferus
vsspiny softshell
  • Specialized
9.9

A river turtle with a warty shell that lives in the western United States

is the common nontechnical name focusing on the soft warty shell

Surface Forms

spiny softshell singular
spiny softshells plural

Morphology

spiny + softshell

The noun is a descriptive compound: 'spiny' (having sharp points) modifies 'softshell' (having a soft protective outer layer), so the phrase transparently denotes an animal with a soft shell that has spines or warty projections. This compositional, descriptive pattern is common and therefore a B1 learner who knows the constituents can readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

Spiny softshell names a kind of turtle with a soft, leathery shell and small, rough spines along its edge. The words softshell and spiny give a clear picture, so the name helps you remember this 'turtle' with a soft shell and tiny spikes.