Dictionary

snapping turtle

noun

: a large American turtle that has strong jaws and that is sometimes used for food

Full 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 America
b :  alligator snapping turtle
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Illustration of SNAPPING TURTLE

First Known Use of SNAPPING TURTLE

1784

Rhymes with SNAPPING TURTLE

SNAPPING TURTLE Defined for Kids

snapping turtle

noun snap·ping tur·tle \ˌsna-piŋ-ˈtər-təl\

Definition of SNAPPING TURTLE for Kids

:  a large American turtle that catches its prey with a snap of the powerful jaws

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Next Word in the Dictionary: snappishPrevious Word in the Dictionary: snapping toolAll Words Near: snapping turtle
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