snapping turtle


noun

either of two large, edible, freshwater turtles of the family Chelydridae, of North and Central America, having a large head and powerful hooked jaws, especially the common snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentina.

Origin of snapping turtle

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85

Example sentences from the Web for snapping turtle

British Dictionary definitions for snapping turtle

snapping turtle

noun

any large aggressive North American river turtle of the family Chelydridae, esp Chelydra serpentina (common snapping turtle), having powerful hooked jaws and a rough shell Also called: snapper