leatherback turtle

[ leth-er-bak ]

noun

1. a sea turtle, Dermochelys coriacea, having the shell embedded in a leathery skin, reaching a length of more than 7 feet (2.1 meters) and a weight of more than 1000 pounds (450 kilograms): the largest living sea turtle; an endangered species.

Word History and Origins

Origin of leatherback turtle¹

First recorded in 1875–80; leather + back ¹

Example Sentences

"Other encounters include an attack on a pygmy sperm whale, predation on a northern elephant seal and Risso's dolphin, and what appeared to be a post-meal lull after scavenging a leatherback turtle."

From Science Daily

A large leatherback turtle swept away in front of him, its distinct markings jogging a memory somewhere.

From Literature

Here are three women who dedicate their lives to saving one of those species - the mountain gorilla, the Chinese pangolin and the leatherback turtle.

From BBC

Olive ridley turtles visit the camp in the rainy season, and Vallerino was preparing for the arrival of the brown leatherback turtle in cooler waters when Otis struck.

From Reuters

The aquarium’s Stranding Response Team was called to a Norfolk beach Monday morning after beachgoers noticed the giant leatherback turtle on the shore, news outlets reported.

From Washington Times