Terrapin
Terrapin , noun
[Probably of American Indian origin.]
(Zoology) Any one of numerous species of tortoises living in fresh and brackish waters. Many of them are valued for food.
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.
Collocations (4)
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.