Crocodile Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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crocodile
[หkrษkษdaษชl ]
Definition
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
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Interesting Facts
Habitat
- Crocodiles can be found in a variety of locations, including freshwater rivers, lakes, and brackish waters around the world.
- The largest species, the saltwater crocodile, can live in both fresh and saline environments, making it highly adaptable.
Behavior
- Crocodiles are ambush predators, using their stealth to capture prey quickly.
- They can hold their breath underwater for over an hour while waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Conservation
- Once hunted extensively for their skin, many species of crocodiles are now protected by law to prevent extinction.
- Crocodiles play a vital role in their ecosystems, helping to maintain the balance by controlling fish and bird populations.
Pop Culture
- Crocodiles have appeared in various films, such as 'Peter Pan' where a crocodile swallowed a clock, creating a ticking sound.
- In popular cartoons, crocodiles are often characterized as sneaky and clever, influencing how they're perceived.
Origin of 'crocodile'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'crocodile' comes from the Greek word 'crocodilos,' which means 'lizard.'
- In ancient Egyptian, 'crocodile' relates to the god Sobek, who was worshipped and often depicted with crocodile features.
The word 'crocodile' has its origins in the ancient Greek word 'krokรณdilos' (ฮบฯฮฟฮบฯฮดฮตฮนฮปฮฟฯ), 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.