alligator etymology

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

• The Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis) is a distinct species that is native to the Yangtze River basin in China.
• Alligators are apex predators that play an important role in the ecosystems they inhabit.
• Alligator skin is prized for its durability and is used to make a variety of products, including shoes, handbags, and belts.

alligator relate terms

• lizard

  Etymology Old English lisaerde lisard Proto West Germanic lisardo lesarda Proto G

• gator

  Etymology The word gator is an abbreviated form of alligator which in turn comes fro

• alligator

  Etymology The word alligator is derived from the Spanish word el lagarto which means

• caiman

  Etymology The word caiman comes from the Tupi language spoken by indigenous peoples in

• deny

  Etymology Middle English denien denyen from Anglo Norman French denier denyer from

• bull

  Etymology The word bull comes from the Middle English word bulle which in turn came

• leather

  Etymology The word leather comes from the Old English word lether which is derived f

• groat

  Etymology The word groat is derived from the Middle Dutch word groot meaning large

• argot

  Etymology From French argot from Old Occitan argot beggars slang jargon perhaps

• enough

  Etymology Enough comes from the Middle English inowh which evolved from the Old Eng