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Definition of caiman

caiman

/ˈkeɪ.mən/
cai · man
Plural:caimans
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caiman Lexical Profile

caiman Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A semi-aquatic crocodilian reptile closely related to the alligator, native to Central and South America, and characterized by its heavily armored skin.

Example

"During our boat tour through the Amazon rainforest, the guide pointed out a black caiman resting silently on the muddy riverbank."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for caiman

Word Nuance & Usage

Often confused with alligators and crocodiles; caimans belong to the alligator family but are native specifically to Central and South America and generally lack a bony septum between their nostrils.

• Rhymes for caiman

• Nearby Words

cagily
caginess
cahoots
caiman
caiman lizard
caimitillo
caimito

Word Origin & Etymology

Mid 16th century: from Spanish caimán, or Portuguese caimão, likely derived from a Cariban language such as Galibi (acayouman) or Taino.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Caiman. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/caiman
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