noun / verb
alligator
AL-ih-gay-ter/ˈælɪɡeɪtər/
A large aquatic reptile with a broad snout and armored skin.
An alligator rests on the riverbank with its broad snout exposed.
Etymology
The name comes from a phrase meaning 'the lizard,' also expressed as 'the lizard of the Indies.' A general reptile name thus became the English name for this particular large American reptile.
In context
Today we are going to be doing the big weekly feed out of the alligator lagoon. 40 plus alligators, the whole reptile crew.
More examples
- The old paint has begun to alligator into a network of cracks.
- Several alligators float near the edge of the marsh.
- The conservator examines the alligatored surface of the varnish.
Forms
alligator · alligators · alligatored · alligatoring
Similar words
- crocodile
- Names a related reptile, generally with a narrower snout.