Snapping turtle Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun large aggressive freshwater turtle with powerful jaws

WordNet

Definitions
  1. . (Zoöl.) (a) A large and voracious aquatic turtle (Chelydra serpentina) common in the fresh waters of the United States; so called from its habit of seizing its prey by a snap of its jaws . Called also mud turtle. (b) See Alligator snapper, under Alligator.

Webster 1913