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Webster 1913 Edition
Terrapin
Ter′ra-pin
,Noun.
[Probably of American Indian origin.]
(Zool.)
Any one of numerous species of tortoises living in fresh and brackish waters. Many of them are valued for food.
[Written also
terapin
, terrapen
, terrapene
, turpen
, and turapen
.] ☞ The yellow-bellied terrapin (
Pseudemys scabra
) of the Southern United States, the red-bellied terrapin (Pseudemys rugosa
or Chrysemys rubriventris
), native of the tributaries Chesapeake Bay (called also potter
, slider
, and redfender
), and the diamond-back or salt-marsh terrapin (Malaclemmys palustris
), are the most important American species. The diamond-back terrapin is native of nearly the whole of the Atlantic coast of the United States. Alligator terrapin
, the snapping turtle.
– Mud terrapin
, any one of numerous species of American tortoises of the genus
– Cinosternon
. Painted terrapin
, the painted turtle. See under
– Painted
. Speckled terrapin
, a small fresh-water American terrapin (
Chelopus guttatus
) having the carapace black with round yellow spots; – called also spotted turtle
.Webster 1828 Edition
Terrapin
TER'RAPIN
,Noun.
Definition 2024
terrapin
terrapin
English
Noun
terrapin (plural terrapins)
- Any of several North American turtles, of the family Emydidae, that live in fresh or brackish water.
Translations
North American turtle
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