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chelonian

noun

che·​lo·​ni·​an ki-ˈlō-nē-ən How to pronounce chelonian (audio)
: turtle
chelonian adjective

Word History

Etymology

Greek chelōnē tortoise

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chelonian was in 1828

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chelonian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chelonian. Accessed 30 Nov. 2025.

Medical Definition

chelonian

noun
che·​lo·​ni·​an ki-ˈlō-nē-ən How to pronounce chelonian (audio)
: turtle
chelonian adjective
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