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Definition of flatback turtle
flatback turtle
Plural:flatback turtles
flatback turtle Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
8
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
Australian A species of sea turtle (Natator depressus) endemic to the sandy beaches and shallow coastal waters of the Australian continental shelf, characterized by its smooth, relatively flat carapace and upturned edges.
Example
"Conservationists continuously monitor the nesting sites of the flatback turtle along the remote beaches of Northern Australia to protect their eggs from feral predators."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the descriptive phrase 'flat back', referring to the notably flattened and smooth carapace that distinguishes this species from other sea turtles.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Flatback turtle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/flatback turtle