snapping turtle
Definition of snapping turtle
: either of two large American freshwater turtles (family Chelydridae) with a large head, powerful jaws, a long tail, and a strong musky odor:a : one (Chelydra serpentina) that has the head covered with smooth skin, has large plates in a double row on the underside of the tail, and is distributed from eastern Canada to Central Americab : alligator snapping turtle
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Illustration of snapping turtle
First Known Use of snapping turtle
1784
SNAPPING TURTLE Defined for English Language Learners
snapping turtle
Definition of snapping turtle for English Language Learners
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: a large American turtle that has strong jaws and that is sometimes used for food
SNAPPING TURTLE Defined for Kids
snapping turtle
Definition of snapping turtle for Students
: a large American turtle that catches its prey with a snap of the powerful jaws
Learn More about snapping turtle
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See words that rhyme with snapping turtle Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about snapping turtle
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