Terrapin: meaning, definitions and examples

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terrapin

 

[ ˈterəpɪn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

turtle-like animal

A small turtle that primarily inhabits fresh or brackish water, typically found in North America. Terrapins have a distinctive diamond-shaped shell and webbed feet, making them adept swimmers.

Synonyms

chelonian, tortoise, turtle

Examples of usage

  • I spotted a terrapin basking in the sun near the riverbank.
  • The terrapin quickly dove into the water when it sensed danger.
Context #2 | Noun

culinary

A small edible turtle with a diamond-shaped shell, often used in traditional Southern cuisine. Terrapins are considered a delicacy in some regions.

Synonyms

tortoise meat, turtle meat

Examples of usage

  • She made a delicious terrapin stew for dinner.
  • The restaurant's specialty is terrapin soup.

Translations

Translations of the word "terrapin" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cágado

🇮🇳 कछुआ

🇩🇪 Schildkröte

🇮🇩 kura-kura

🇺🇦 черепаха

🇵🇱 żółw

🇯🇵 カメ

🇫🇷 tortue

🇪🇸 tortuga

🇹🇷 kaplumbağa

🇰🇷 거북이

🇸🇦 سلحفاة

🇨🇿 želva

🇸🇰 korytnačka

🇨🇳 

🇸🇮 želva

🇮🇸 skjaldbaka

🇰🇿 тасбақа

🇬🇪 კუსი

🇦🇿 tısbağa

🇲🇽 tortuga

Word origin

The word 'terrapin' originated from the Algonquian word 'torope' meaning 'little turtle'. Terrapins have been an important food source for Native American tribes and early settlers. In the 19th century, terrapin became a popular dish in high-end restaurants, leading to overhunting and decline in terrapin populations.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,738 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.