- terrapin
- terrapin N.Amer. turtle, 1670s, earlier torope (1610s), from an Algonquian source (e.g. Abenaki turepe, Delaware tulpe "turtle"). Subsequently extended to allied species in S.Amer., E.Indies, China, N.Africa.
Etymology dictionary. 2014.
terrapin
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Terrapin — Ter ra*pin, n. [Probably of American Indian origin.] (Zo[ o]l.) Any one of numerous species of tortoises living in fresh and brackish waters. Many of them are valued for food. [Written also {terapin}, {terrapen}, {terrapene}, {turpen}, and… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Terrapin Mk I — (Linke Bildseite) während der Schlacht an der Schelde 1944 … Deutsch Wikipedia
terrapin — ► NOUN ▪ a small freshwater turtle. ORIGIN Algonquian … English terms dictionary
terrapin — ☆ terrapin [ter′ə pin ] n. [< dim. of earlier torope, tortoise < Virginia Algonquian] 1. any of a family (Emydidae) of North American, terrestrial, freshwater or tidewater turtles, esp. the diamondback 2. its edible flesh … English World dictionary
Terrapin — A terrapin is a turtle that lives in fresh or brackish water.David Alderton (1986). An Interpet Guide to Reptiles Amphibians , p. 63. Salamander Books Ltd., London New York.] TaxonomyAlthough sometimes superficially similar to sea turtles in… … Wikipedia
terrapin — /ter euh pin/, n. 1. any of several edible North American turtles of the family Emydidae, inhabiting fresh or brackish waters, esp. the diamondback terrapin: some are threatened or endangered. 2. any of various similar turtles. [1605 15; earlier… … Universalium
terrapin — noun 1》 a small freshwater turtle. [Malaclemys terrapin (diamondback terrapin, eastern US) and many other species elsewhere.] 2》 (Terrapin) Brit. trademark a prefabricated one storey building for temporary use. Origin C17: of Algonquian origin … English new terms dictionary
terrapin — UK [ˈterəpɪn] / US [ˈterəˌpɪn] noun [countable] Word forms terrapin : singular terrapin plural terrapins a small animal that lives in water and has a hard shell on its back. It is a type of turtle … English dictionary
terrapin — noun Etymology: alteration of earlier torope, from Virginia Algonquian *to•rəpe•w Date: 1613 any of various aquatic turtles (family Emydidae); especially diamondback terrapin … New Collegiate Dictionary
terrapin — [[t]te̱rəpɪn[/t]] terrapins N COUNT A terrapin is a reptile which has a thick shell covering its body and which lives partly in water and partly on land … English dictionary
