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Definition of alligator snapping turtle

alligator snapping turtle

Plural:alligator snapping turtles
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• noun

1

North American A large, primarily aquatic freshwater turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) native to the southeastern United States, characterized by a heavy, spike-covered shell, a powerful beak, and a worm-like appendage on its tongue used to lure fish.

Example

"The biologist carefully weighed the alligator snapping turtle, noting its massive, dinosaur-like shell and incredibly strong jaws."

Word Nuance & Usage

Often confused with the smaller common snapping turtle, the alligator snapping turtle is distinguished by its significantly larger size, heavily ridged dinosaur-like shell, and a unique, worm-like fleshy lure on its tongue used to ambush prey.

• Nearby Words

alligator
alligator gar
alligator lizard
alligator snapping turtle
alliterate
alliteration
alliterative

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Alligator snapping turtle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/alligator-snapping-turtle
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