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alligator definition

al·li·ga·tor (al′ə gāt′ər)

noun pl. alligators -·tors or alligator -·tor

  1. any of a genus (Alligator) of large crocodilian reptiles found in tropical rivers and marshes of the U.S. and China: its snout is shorter and blunter than the crocodile's, and its teeth do not protrude outside its closed mouth
  2. a scaly leather made from an alligator's hide
  3. ☆ a machine, tool, etc. with a strong, movable, often toothed jaw

Etymology: Sp el lagarto < el, the + L lacerta, lacertus: see lizard

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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