Alligator - definition of alligator by The Free Dictionary
Alligator - definition of alligator by The Free Dictionary
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/alligator
Related to alligator: Chinese alligator
al·li·ga·tor
 (ăl′ĭ-gā′tər)
n.
1. Either of two large semiaquatic reptiles, Alligator mississipiensis of the southeast United States or A. sinensis of China, having sharp teeth and powerful jaws. They differ from crocodiles in having a broader, shorter snout.
2. Leather made from the hide of one of these reptiles.
3. A tool or fastener having strong, adjustable, often toothed jaws.
[Alteration of Spanish el lagarto, the lizard : el, the (from Latin ille, that; see al-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots) + lagarto, lizard (from Latin lacertus).]
alligator
(ˈælɪˌɡeɪtə)
n
1. (Animals) a large crocodilian, Alligator mississipiensis, of the southern US, having powerful jaws and sharp teeth and differing from the crocodiles in having a shorter and broader snout: family Alligatoridae (alligators and caymans)
2. (Animals) a similar but smaller species, A. sinensis, occurring in China near the Yangtse River
3. (Animals) any crocodilian belonging to the family Alligatoridae
4. (Tools) any of various tools or machines having adjustable toothed jaws, used for gripping, crushing, or compacting
[C17: from Spanish el lagarto the lizard, from Latin lacerta]
al•li•ga•tor
(ˈæl ɪˌgeɪ tər)
n.
either of two crocodilians of the genus Alligator, of the southeastern U.S. and E China, characterized by a broad snout.
[1560–70; < Sp el lagarto the lizard < Vulgar Latin *ille that + *lacartus, for Latin lacertus lizard ]
al·li·ga·tor
(ăl′ĭ-gā′tər)
A large, meat-eating, aquatic reptile having sharp teeth and powerful jaws. Alligators have a broader, shorter snout than crocodiles, and their teeth do not show when the jaws are closed. There are two species of alligators: one living in the southeast United States and one living in China.
alligator
- From Spanish el lagarto, "the lizard," which may have come from Latin lacerta; the alligator has a shorter, blunter snout than a crocodile.
See also related terms for shorter .
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