Chelydra

noun

Chel·​y·​dra
ˈkelədrə
: the type genus of Chelydridae comprising the common snapping turtles
chelydroid
-ˌdrȯid
adjective

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, feminine noun formed (probably after Latin Hydra, the serpent of Greek myth) from Latin chelydrus "a venomous water snake," borrowed from Greek chélydros "venomous water snake, kind of turtle," from chel-, base of chélȳs "tortoise" + hýdros "the grass snake Natrix natrix"

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Cite this Entry

“Chelydra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Chelydra. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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