Terrapin word meaning and definition

[noun] any of various edible North American web-footed turtles living in fresh or brackish water

\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}, and {turapen}.] Note: The yellow-bellied terrapin ({Pseudemys acebra}) of the Southern United States, the red-bellied terrapin ({Pseudemys rugosa}), native of the tributaries Chesapeake Bay (called also {potter}, {slider}, and {redfender}), and the diamond-back or salt-marsh terrapin ({Malaclemmys palustris}), are the most important American species. The diamond-back terrapin is native of nearly the whole of the Atlantic coast of the United States. {Alligator terrapin}, the snapping turtle. {Mud terrapin}, any one of numerous species of American tortoises of the genus {Cinosternon}. {Painted terrapin}, the painted turtle. See under {Painted}. {Speckled terrapin}, a small fresh-water American terrapin ({Chelopus guttatus}) having the carapace black with round yellow spots; -- called also {spotted turtle}.

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