Definition

Noun: - Alligators and caimans: A family of reptiles within the order Crocodilia, comprising the two extant genera Alligator (true alligators) and Caiman (caimans). This family is characterized by a broad snout and the fact that when the mouth is closed, the teeth of the lower jaw fit into pits in the upper jaw, with the large fourth tooth of the lower jaw fitting into a socket in the upper jaw and not being visible externally.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The family Alligatoridae includes both the American alligator and various caiman species.
  • Scientists study fossils to understand the evolution of the family Alligatoridae.
  • Conservation efforts are crucial for several members of the family Alligatoridae whose habitats are threatened.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic context: Used in scientific and zoological writing to specify this particular biological classification.
  • The research paper focused on the phylogenetic relationships within the family Alligatoridae.

Variants and Related Words

• Alligatorid (noun/adjective): A member of the family Alligatoridae; pertaining to the family Alligatoridae.
  • The fossil was identified as an alligatorid.
• Alligator (noun): A reptile of the genus within the family Alligatoridae.
• Caiman (noun): A reptile of the genus within the family Alligatoridae.

Synonyms

• Alligator family: A common, less formal synonym.
  • The alligator family is distinct from the crocodile family.

Related Terms (Contextual)

• Crocodylidae: The family containing true crocodiles, often compared and contrasted with Alligatoridae.
• Gavialidae: The family containing gharials, another family within the order Crocodilia.

Noun

1. alligators; caimans