snapping turtle

snapping turtle

n.

Any of several large freshwater turtles of the family Chelydridae of North, Central, and northern South America, having a rough shell and powerful hooked jaws that close with a snap, especially the common North American species Chelydra serpentina and the alligator snapping turtle of the south-central United States.

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snapping turtle

n

(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Animals) any large aggressive North American river turtle of the family Chelydridae, esp Chelydra serpentina (common snapping turtle), having powerful hooked jaws and a rough shell Also called snapper

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

snapping turtle - large aggressive freshwater turtle with powerful jaws turtle - any of various aquatic and land reptiles having a bony shell and flipper-like limbs for swimming Chelydridae, family Chelydridae - snapping turtles Chelydra serpentina, common snapping turtle, snapper - large-headed turtle with powerful hooked jaws found in or near water; prone to bite alligator snapper, alligator snapping turtle, Macroclemys temmincki - large species having three ridges on its back; found in southeastern United States