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Definition of matamata

matamata

/ˌmɑːtəˈmɑːtə/
ma · ta · ma · ta

Plural:matamatas
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matamata Lexical Profile

matamata Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A large, highly camouflaged freshwater turtle native to the Amazon and Orinoco basins of South America, characterized by a flat, rugged shell and a distinctive, leaf-like triangular head used to ambush fish.

Example

"Lying completely motionless at the bottom of the shallow stream, the matamata perfectly mimicked a pile of dead leaves until a small fish swam too close."

• Rhymes for matamata

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Tupi word 'matamatá', the indigenous name for this species of uniquely camouflaged turtle found in South American river basins.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Matamata. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/matamata
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