alligator snapping turtle

noun

1. a large American snapping turtle, Macroclemys temmincki, having three prominent ridges on its shell and a wormlike process on the floor of the mouth used to attract prey.

Word History and Origins

Origin of alligator snapping turtle¹

An Americanism dating back to 1790–1800

Example Sentences

The alligator snapping turtle (Macroclemys) is probably the most aquatic fresh-water turtle in the United States.

From Project Gutenberg