'Terapin' definitions:
Definition of 'terapin'
From: GCIDE
- Terrapin \Ter"ra*pin\, n. [Probably of American Indian origin.] (Zool.) Any one of numerous species of tortoises living in fresh and brackish waters. Many of them are valued for food. [Written also terapin, terrapen, terrapene, turpen, and turapen.] [1913 Webster]
- Note: The yellow-bellied terrapin (Pseudemys scabra) of the Southern United States, the red-bellied terrapin (Pseudemys rugosa or Chrysemys rubriventris), native of the tributaries Chesapeake Bay (called also potter, slider, and redfender), and the diamond-back or salt-marsh terrapin ({Malaclemmys palustris}), are the most important American species. The diamond-back terrapin is native of nearly the whole of the Atlantic coast of the United States. [1913 Webster]
- Alligator terrapin, the snapping turtle.
- Mud terrapin, any one of numerous species of American tortoises of the genus Cinosternon.
- Painted terrapin, the painted turtle. See under Painted.
- Speckled terrapin, a small fresh-water American terrapin (Chelopus guttatus) having the carapace black with round yellow spots; -- called also spotted turtle. [1913 Webster]