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Definition of softshell turtle
softshell turtle
Plural:softshell turtles
softshell turtle Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
6
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
A predominantly freshwater turtle belonging to the family Trionychidae, native to North America, Africa, and Asia, characterized by a flattened, leathery, and flexible carapace lacking the hard horny scutes found on most other turtles.
Example
"The Florida softshell turtle can often be seen basking on the muddy banks of slow-moving rivers and lakes."
Word Origin & Etymology
A descriptive compound name derived from the animal's distinctively pliable, leathery carapace, distinguishing it from hard-shelled turtle species.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Softshell turtle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/softshell turtle