Chelonian: meaning, definitions and examples

🐢

Add to dictionary

chelonian

[ˌkɛləˈniən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

animal

A chelonian is a reptile that has a shell covering its body. Chelonians include turtles, tortoises, and terrapins.

Synonyms

terrapin, tortoise, turtle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
chelonian	This term is scientific and mainly used in biological or zoological contexts to refer to any member of the turtle family, including turtles, tortoises, and terrapins. The research focused on chelonian anatomy. Chelonian species have been studied extensively in marine biology.
turtle	Commonly used in general English to describe any member of the turtle family, but more often refers to species that live in the water (both marine and freshwater). The children enjoyed watching the turtles at the pond. Sea turtles are often seen on the shores of this beach.
tortoise	Primarily used to describe land-dwelling turtles that have a more domed shell and sturdy legs. Not commonly found in water except, occasionally, when drinking. The tortoise slowly made its way across the garden. The Galápagos tortoise is known for its impressive size.
terrapin	Commonly used in North America to refer specifically to aquatic turtles that live in fresh or brackish water. Often used in culinary contexts as well. The terrapin populations in the river are decreasing. Terrapin soup is a delicacy in some regions.

Examples of usage

Many chelonians are known for their longevity, with some species living for over a century.
The chelonian's shell provides protection from predators in the wild.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

zoology

In the field of zoology, a chelonian refers to any member of the reptile order Chelonia, which includes turtles, tortoises, and terrapins. These animals are characterized by their bony or cartilaginous shell.

Synonyms

reptile, testudine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
chelonian	Used in scientific or formal contexts to refer to turtles and tortoises. The zoologist specialized in chelonian studies. Conservation efforts are crucial for various chelonian species.
testudine	This word is often used in scientific texts to describe turtles and tortoises as part of a biological order. Researchers discovered a new species of testudine in the Amazon. The testudine skeleton revealed much about its evolutionary history.
reptile	A general term to describe a class of cold-blooded animals, including snakes, lizards, and turtles. Used in everyday language. The garden has a variety of reptiles like lizards and geckos. Reptiles are fascinating creatures that can live in diverse environments.

Word

Description / Examples

chelonian

Used in scientific or formal contexts to refer to turtles and tortoises.

The zoologist specialized in chelonian studies.
Conservation efforts are crucial for various chelonian species.

testudine

This word is often used in scientific texts to describe turtles and tortoises as part of a biological order.

Researchers discovered a new species of testudine in the Amazon.
The testudine skeleton revealed much about its evolutionary history.

reptile

A general term to describe a class of cold-blooded animals, including snakes, lizards, and turtles. Used in everyday language.

The garden has a variety of reptiles like lizards and geckos.
Reptiles are fascinating creatures that can live in diverse environments.

Examples of usage

Researchers study the behavior of chelonians in their natural habitats.
The conservation of chelonian species is essential for biodiversity.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'chelonian' comes from the Greek word 'chelone', meaning 'tortoise'.
The word has been used since the early 19th century to describe members of the order Testudines.
The defining characteristic of chelonians is their bony or cartilaginous shell which they use for protection.

Biology

Chelonians are cold-blooded reptiles found both on land and in water.
Their shells are made of two parts: the upper 'carapace' and the lower 'plastron', which are joined by bony structures.
Some species can retract their heads and limbs into their shells for safety, while others have more elongated shells.

Conservation

Many chelonian species are threatened or endangered due to habitat loss, pollution, and poaching.
Conservation efforts include protecting habitats and breeding programs to help increase their populations.
The Galápagos tortoise is a well-known conservation success story, thanks to dedicated preservation efforts.

Cultural Significance

Turtles and tortoises are often symbols of longevity and wisdom in various cultures around the world.
In Native American traditions, the turtle represents the earth and is sometimes considered a mother figure.
Some cultures have myths featuring giant turtles, like the World Turtle in Hindu mythology that supports the earth on its back.

Pop Culture

Chelonians have had a vibrant role in movies, from cartoon turtles like 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' to the gentle tortoise in 'Kung Fu Panda'.
Turtles are often depicted in literature and folklore, teaching lessons about patience and perseverance.
The popular 'Turtle' character mascot is often used in various brands to signify reliability and longevity.

Translations

Translations of the word "chelonian" in other languages:

🇵🇹 quelônio

🇮🇳 कछुआ

🇩🇪 Schildkröte

🇮🇩 kura-kura

🇺🇦 черепаха

🇵🇱 żółw

🇯🇵 カメ (kame)

🇫🇷 chélonien

🇪🇸 quelonio

🇹🇷 kaplumbağa

🇰🇷 거북이 (geobugi)

🇸🇦 سلحفاة (sulḥafāh)

🇨🇿 želva

🇸🇰 korytnačka

🇨🇳 龟 (guī)

🇸🇮 želva

🇮🇸 skjaldbaka

🇰🇿 тасбақа

🇬🇪 კუ (ku)

🇦🇿 tısbağa

🇲🇽 quelonio