alligator snapping turtle

noun

variants: or alligator snapper

Definition of alligator snapping turtle

: a large freshwater turtle (Macrochelys temminckii synonym Macroclemys temminckii) of southeastern U.S. rivers that may reach nearly 150 pounds (68 kilograms) in weight and 31 inches (79 centimeters) in length and differs from the common snapping turtle in having a shell with three distinct ridges, a more triangular-shaped head, and a pink fleshy wormlike appendage in the mouth used as a lure

Recent Examples of alligator snapping turtle from the Web

Like the alligator snapping turtle that Jason Weidert and his team, Blood, Sweat and Bonfires, have constructed in Garyville in St. John the Baptist Parish.

— littice bacon-blood, NOLA.com, "Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Levee: What to know and where to go.," 15 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'alligator snapping turtle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.