Definition of "alligator" in Englisch

noun

1. Either of two species of large amphibious reptile, Alligator mississippiensis or Alligator sinensis, in the genus Alligator within order Crocodilia, which have sharp teeth and very strong jaws and are native to the Americas and China, respectively.

   • All you could see of the alligator were two eyes above the water, then suddenly it snatched up and caught the poor bird with strong jaws full of sharp teeth.

2. (paleontology) A member of the family Alligatoridae, which includes the caimans.

3. (Nigeria) A dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis)

4. (dated) A crocodile of any species.

5. Any of various machines with strong jaws, one of which opens like the movable jaw of an alligator.

6. Any of various vehicles that have relatively long, low noses in front of a cab or other, usually windowed, structure.

7. (usually in the plural) An alligator-skin shoe.

8. (US, slang, dated) A swing music fan or performer, especially one who is white.

verb

1. (intransitive, of paint or other coatings) To crack in a pattern resembling an alligator's skin.

interjection

1. Used in a common chronometric counting scheme, in which the speaker counts out loud, saying the word "alligator" between the numbers so that each number is spoken approximately one second after the last one.