Background for alligator

alligator

/ˈæl.ɪ.ɡeɪ.tə/ /ˈæl.ɪ.ɡeɪ.tɚ/

Illustration alligator - Image 1

Illustration alligator - Image 2

noun

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.

Examples :

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

animal biology nature organism environment

Illustration alligator - Image 1

noun

Dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis)

Examples :

"The zookeeper pointed out the small alligator, a dwarf crocodile, in the exhibit. "

animal nature organism biology environment

Illustration alligator - Image 1

noun

Any of various machines with strong jaws, one of which opens like the movable jaw of an alligator.

Examples :

"The construction worker used an alligator to grip and lift the heavy steel beam. "

machine technology

Illustration alligator - Image 1

noun

Any of various vehicles that have relatively long, low noses in front of a cab or other, usually windowed, structure.

Examples :

"The mechanic called the tow truck, a massive alligator with a winch on its flatbed, to haul away the wrecked car. "

Illustration alligator - Image 1

Illustration alligator - Image 2

verb

(of paint or other coatings) To crack in a pattern resembling an alligator's skin.

Examples :

"The paint on the old wooden fence had alligatorred, showing many small cracks like an alligator's skin. "

appearance material condition

Illustration alligator - Image 1

interjection

Used in a common chronometric counting scheme, in which each iteration is sequentially numbered and supposed to be approximately one second in length.

Examples :

""Alright, let's time how long it takes to read this paragraph: Alligator one, alligator two, alligator three..." "

time number language

Illustration alligator - Image 1

noun

One who binds or ties.

Examples :

"The experienced seamstress was an alligator when securing hems with her thread and needle. "