noun
crocodile
KRAH-kuh-dyle/ˈkrɑːkədaɪl/
A large aquatic reptile with an elongated body and powerful jaws.
A crocodile rests on a riverbank with its powerful jaws visible.
Etymology
Greek krokodilos has an unknown deeper origin. According to Herodotus, it was an Ionic name for a kind of lizard that was transferred to the crocodile.
In context
Visitors were ushered out of the park while police reportedly shot the crocodile before freeing the man.
More examples
- The crocodile glides through the water with barely a ripple.
- Female crocodiles guard their nests against predators.
- Keep your distance from any crocodile, even on land.
Forms
crocodile · crocodiles
Similar words
- alligator
- An alligator usually has a broader, more rounded snout.
- caiman
- A related reptile native to Central and South America.