Etymology
The word "alligator" is derived from the Spanish word "el lagarto", which means "the lizard".
Meaning
An alligator is a large, semi-aquatic reptile that is native to the southeastern United States and eastern China. It is closely related to the crocodile, but has a wider snout and rounded teeth.
Origin
The ancestors of alligators first appeared during the Cretaceous period, around 145 million years ago. They evolved from a group of reptiles called pseudosuchians, which also gave rise to crocodiles and dinosaurs.
Historical Usage
The word "alligator" has been used in English since the 17th century. It was originally used to refer to any large, semi-aquatic reptile, but over time it came to be used specifically for the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis).
Additional Notes
Etymology Old English lisaerde lisard Proto West Germanic lisardo lesarda Proto G
Etymology The word gator is an abbreviated form of alligator which in turn comes fro
Etymology The word alligator is derived from the Spanish word el lagarto which means
Etymology The word caiman comes from the Tupi language spoken by indigenous peoples in
Etymology Middle English denien denyen from Anglo Norman French denier denyer from
Etymology The word bull comes from the Middle English word bulle which in turn came
Etymology The word leather comes from the Old English word lether which is derived f
Etymology The word groat is derived from the Middle Dutch word groot meaning large
Etymology From French argot from Old Occitan argot beggars slang jargon perhaps
Etymology Enough comes from the Middle English inowh which evolved from the Old Eng