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Definition of stinkpot turtle
stinkpot turtle
Plural:stinkpot turtles
• noun
1
North American A small, highly aquatic freshwater turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) native to the eastern United States and southeastern Canada, characterized by a highly domed dark shell and the ability to release a pungent, foul-smelling musk from glands near the edge of its shell when threatened.
Example
"While surveying the shallow, heavily vegetated wetlands of the southern United States, the herpetologist documented several stinkpot turtles foraging along the muddy bottom."
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Stinkpot turtle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 17, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/stinkpot%20turtle