alligator

/'æligeitə/

Thân thiện

A child watches an alligator from a safe distance at the zoo.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • A large semiaquatic reptile: An alligator is a large reptile with a long body, short legs, a long tail, and a broad snout. It lives in freshwater habitats in the southeastern United States and China.
   • Leather made from its skin: Alligator also refers to the leather made from the hide of this animal, known for its distinctive pattern and durability.

2. Verb:

   • To crack like alligator skin: To alligator means for a surface, especially paint or varnish, to crack into a pattern of small, interconnected fissures that resembles the skin of an alligator.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Reptile):
  • We saw an alligator basking on the riverbank.
  • The Florida Everglades are home to many American alligators.
• Noun (Leather):
  • He wore expensive shoes made of genuine alligator.
• Verb:
  • The old paint on the bench had begun to alligator from years of sun exposure.
  • If you apply the varnish too thickly, it may alligator as it dries.

Advanced Usage

• "To see you later, alligator": A playful, informal farewell phrase, often responded to with "In a while, crocodile."
  • "Bye, Mom!" "See you later, alligator!"

Variants and Related Words

• Alligatoring (n): The process or result of cracking in a pattern resembling alligator skin.
  • The alligatoring on the antique table was quite severe.
• Alligator clip (n): A spring-loaded metal clip with serrated jaws, used in electronics.
  • Attach the wire to the battery terminal using an alligator clip.

Synonyms

• Caiman/Cayman (n): A reptile closely related to alligators, found in Central and South America.
• Gator (n): (Informal) A shortened, colloquial term for an alligator.
  • Watch out for gators in that swamp.

Related Phrases

• Alligator pear: An old-fashioned, regional name for an avocado.
• Alligator wrench: A type of wrench with serrated, adjustable jaws.

Học thuật

Noun

1. either of two amphibious reptiles related to crocodiles but with shorter broader snouts
2. leather made from alligator's hide

Verb

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

Từ đồng nghĩa

• gator