chelydra serpentina

2 definitions found

chelydra serpentina - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Snapping \Snap"ping\,
     a. & n. from Snap, v.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Snapping beetle. (Zool.) See Snap beetle, under Snap.
        
  
     Snapping turtle. (Zool.)
     (a) A large and voracious aquatic turtle (Chelydra   serpentina
         ) common in the fresh waters of the United
         States; -- so called from its habit of seizing its prey
         by a snap of its jaws. Called also mud turtle.
     (b) See Alligator snapper, under Alligator.
         [1913 Webster]

chelydra serpentina - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  Chelydra serpentina
      n 1: large-headed turtle with powerful hooked jaws found in or
           near water; prone to bite [syn: common snapping turtle,
           snapper, Chelydra serpentina]