Crocodile: meaning, definitions and examples
🐊
crocodile
[ ˈkrɒkədaɪl ]
animal species
A crocodile is a large predatory reptile found in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australia. They belong to the family Crocodylidae and are known for their long bodies, powerful jaws, and strong tails. Crocodiles have existed for millions of years and are often found in freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands. They are carnivorous and are known for their stealth when hunting, often lurking underwater before capturing their prey.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The crocodile swam quietly in the river.
- Crocodiles can hold their breath underwater for long periods.
- A baby crocodile is called a hatchling.
- Tourists often take boat trips to see crocodiles in the wild.
- Crocodiles are often mistaken for alligators.
Translations
Translations of the word "crocodile" in other languages:
🇵🇹 crocodilo
🇮🇳 मगरमच्छ
🇩🇪 Krokodil
🇮🇩 krokodil
🇺🇦 крокодил
🇵🇱 krokodyl
🇯🇵 ワニ
🇫🇷 crocodile
🇪🇸 cocodrilo
🇹🇷 crocodile
🇰🇷 악어
🇸🇦 تمساح
🇨🇿 krokodýl
🇸🇰 krokodíl
🇨🇳 鳄鱼
🇸🇮 krokodil
🇮🇸 krokódíll
🇰🇿 крокодил
🇬🇪 კროკოდილი
🇦🇿 timsah
🇲🇽 cocodrilo
Etymology
The word 'crocodile' has its origins in the ancient Greek word 'krokódilos' (κροκόδειλος), which likely referred to the Nile crocodile. The term was adapted into Latin as 'crocodilus', and from there transitioned into Old French as 'crocodile' before arriving in Middle English around the 14th century. The etymology reflects the long-standing interaction of humans with these ancient reptiles, particularly in regions where they were prevalent, such as Egypt. Over time, the word has come to represent not just the specific species, but also the broader group of similar reptiles belonging to the order Crocodylia, which includes alligators and caimans.