Alligator

Quick meaning: Alligator is a noun meaning (paleontology) A member of the family Alligatoridae, which includes the caimans.

Meaning

(paleontology) A member of the family Alligatoridae, which includes the caimans.

More Meanings

1. (Nigeria) A dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis)
2. Any of various machines with strong jaws, one of which opens like the movable jaw of an alligator.
3. Any of various vehicles that have relatively long, low noses in front of a cab or other, usually windowed, structure.
4. (usually in the plural) An alligator-skin shoe.
5. (US, slang, dated) A swing music fan or performer, especially one who is white.
6. 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.
7. (dated) A crocodile of any species.

Example Sentences

Alligators were very numerous, in fact the harbour was infested by them.

Alligatoring is a result of the sun making the top surface of the asphalt brittle.

Common burn indicators include alligatoring, crazing, the depth of char, lines of demarcation, sagged furniture springs and spalling.

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

Word Forms

• alligators
• alligatoring
• alligatored

Synonyms for alligator

Depending on context, synonyms include gator.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include cracked, rough, unsmooth, crocodile, gator, croc.

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