alligator

noun

1. 1.

   usually in the plural

   An alligator-skin shoe.

2. 2.

   Either of two amphibious reptiles related to crocodiles but with shorter broader snouts

3. 3.

   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.

4. 4.

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

5. 5.

   Leather made from alligator's hide

6. 6.

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

verb

1. 1.

   Crack and acquire the appearance of alligator hide, as from weathering or improper application; of paint and varnishes

2. 2.

   intransitiveof paint or other coatings

   To crack in a pattern resembling an alligator's skin.

Compound terms

Established multiword terms.

• alligator clipnounCompound term

  A clip with a spring that closes the metal jaws.

• alligator grassnounCompound term

  Prolific South American aquatic weed having grasslike leaves and short spikes of white flowers.

• alligator lizardnounCompound term

  Slim short-limbed lizard having a distinctive fold on each side that permits expansion.

• alligator mississipiensisnounCompound term

  Large alligator of the southeastern United States.

• alligator pearnounCompound term

  A pear-shaped tropical fruit with green or blackish skin and rich yellowish pulp enclosing a single large seed.

• alligator sinensisnounCompound term

  Small alligator of the Yangtze valley of China having unwebbed digits.

Related words

Connected by subject or meaning, not by word formation.

• family alligatoridaenounRelated term

  Alligators.