gavial

noun

ga·​vi·​al ˈgā-vē-əl How to pronounce gavial (audio)

Word History

Etymology

French, modification of Bengali ghãṛiyal or Hindi ghaṛyal — more at gharial

First Known Use

circa 1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gavial was circa 1825

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Cite this Entry

“Gavial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gavial. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

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