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Meaning of alligator

Source language: EnglishDictionary language: English

alligator

Pronunciation:/ˈæl.ɪ.ɡeɪ.tə//ˈæl.ɪ.ɡeɪ.tɚ/

noun

Definitions

  1. Either of two species of large amphibious reptile, Alligator mississippiensis or Alligator sinensis, in the genus Alligator within order Crocodilia, which have sharp teeth and very strong jaws and are native to the Americas and China, respectively.

    Example: All you could see of the alligator were its two eyes above the water, and suddenly it snatched up and caught the poor bird with its strong jaws full of sharp teeth.

  2. Dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis)

  3. Any of various machines with strong jaws, one of which opens like the movable jaw of an alligator.

  4. Any of various vehicles that have relatively long, low noses in front of a cab or other, usually windowed, structure.

verb

Definitions

  1. (of paint or other coatings) To crack in a pattern resembling an alligator's skin.

interjection

Definitions

  1. Used in a common chronometric counting scheme, in which each iteration is sequentially numbered and supposed to be approximately one second in length.