terrapin

A turtle that lives in fresh or brackish water.

One of several different freshwater or tide-water tortoises of the family Emydidæ; specifically, in the United States, the diamond-back, Malaclemmys or Malacoclemmys palustris, of the Atlantic coast from New York to Texas, famous among epicures. See diamond-backed turtle (under diamond-backed), and Malaclemmys.

Some other tortoise or turtle: as, the elephant terrapin of the Galapagos.

A dish made of the diamond-back.

Any one of numerous species of tortoises living in fresh and brackish waters. Many of them are valued for food.

the snapping turtle.

any one of numerous species of American tortoises of the genus Cinosternon.

the painted turtle. See under Painted.

a small fresh-water American terrapin (Chelopus guttatus) having the carapace black with round yellow spots; — called also spotted turtle.