gharial

[ guhr-ee-uhl ]

noun

1. a large crocodilian, Gavialis gangeticus, of India and Pakistan, having elongated, garlike jaws: an endangered species.

gharial

/ ˈɡærɪəl /

noun

1. another name for for gavial

Word History and Origins

Origin of gharial¹

First recorded in 1815–25; from French, from Hindi ghariyāl

Example Sentences

Many community forests are adjacent to national parks, and their revival has allowed endangered plant and animal species, including the tiger, the one-horned rhinoceros and the gharial, a crocodilian reptile, to thrive.

From New York Times

By publicising the plight of these "truly spectacular species", the scientists hope to help slow the slide towards oblivion of reptiles such as the loggerhead sea turtle and the gharial, or fish-eating crocodile.

From BBC

Its croc cousin the gharial, on the other hand, is critically endangered.

From Reuters

You're forgiven for doing a double-take because you don't immediately register that this male gharial croc's back is entirely covered by its young.

From BBC

"Other crocs carry their young about in their mouths. Very carefully, of course! But for the gharial, the unusual morphology of the snout means this is not possible. So the young have to cling to the head and back for that close connection and protection."

From BBC