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alligator

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alligator

Main Entry:: al·li·ga·tor
Pronunciation:: \ˈa-lə-ˌgā-tər\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Spanish el lagarto the lizard, from el the (from Latin ille that) + lagarto lizard, from Vulgar Latin *lacartus, from Latin lacertus, lacerta — more at lizard
Date:: 1579

1 a: either of two crocodilians (Alligator mississippiensis of the southeastern United States and A. sinensis of China) having broad heads not tapering to the snout and a special pocket in the upper jaw for reception of the enlarged lower fourth tooth b: crocodilian2: leather made from alligator hide

[alligator illustration]

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