terrapin

views updated May 21 2018

ter·ra·pin / ˈterəˌpin/ • n. 1. (also diamondback terrapin) a small edible turtle (Malaclemys terrapin, family Emydidae) with lozenge-shaped markings on its shell, found in coastal marshes of the eastern US. 2. a freshwater turtle (Emydidae and other families), esp. one of the smaller kinds of the Old World.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

terrapin

views updated May 17 2018

terrapin Any of several species of aquatic turtles that live in fresh or brackish water in the USA and South America, especially the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin). Length: to 23cm (9in). Family Emydidae.

World Encyclopedia

terrapin

views updated May 17 2018

terrapin XVII. of Algonquian orig.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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