snapping turtle

snapping turtle

n. Any of several large freshwater turtles of the family Chelydridae of the Americas, 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.

snapping turtle

n (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

snap′ping tur`tle

n. either of two large freshwater American turtles of the family Chelydridae, having a massive nonretracting head and powerful jaws: Chelydra serpentina, of warm muddy shallows, and the larger Macroclemys temmincki (alligator snapping turtle), of rivers and lakes.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

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

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