snapping turtle

noun

1. either of two large, edible, freshwater turtles of the family Chelydridae, of North and Central America, having a large head and powerful hooked jaws, especially the common snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentina.

snapping turtle

noun

1. any large aggressive North American river turtle of the family Chelydridae, esp Chelydra serpentina ( common snapping turtle ), having powerful hooked jaws and a rough shell Also calledsnapper

Word History and Origins

Origin of snapping turtle¹

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85

Example Sentences

Organoids generated by Valenzuela's team came from samples collected in Iowa from juvenile spiny softshell and snapping turtles as well as juvenile, adult and embryonic painted turtles.

From Science Daily

The alligator snapping turtle discovered in Cumbria is off to a specialist reptile centre, with vets warning people against trying to get one for themselves.

From BBC

A small alligator snapping turtle pulled from a lake in Cumbia has been nicknamed Fluffy.

From BBC

An invasive alligator snapping turtle has been pulled from a Cumbrian tarn.

From BBC

Almquist said she routinely receives calls asking the sanctuary to accept animals that include alligators, snapping turtles, ferrets and sugar gliders — though the sanctuary is also home to tigers, bears and hyenas.

From Los Angeles Times