snapping turtle

/snæpɪŋ ˌtʌrdl/

Other forms: snapping turtles

Definitions of snapping turtle

1. noun

   large aggressive freshwater turtle with powerful jaws
   types:

   Chelydra serpentina, common snapping turtle, snapper

   large-headed turtle with powerful hooked jaws found in or near water; prone to bite

   Macroclemys temmincki, alligator snapper, alligator snapping turtle

   large species having three ridges on its back; found in southeastern United States

   type of:

   turtle

   any of various aquatic and land reptiles having a bony shell and flipper-like limbs for swimming