Where does the word crocodile originate from?

Etymology. The word crocodile comes from the Ancient Greek krokódilos (κροκόδιλος) meaning ‘lizard’, used in the phrase ho krokódilos tou potamoú, “the lizard of the (Nile) river”.

What is the meaning of crocodile and alligator?

Remember that alligators are typically a darker color and have U-shaped snouts, flashing only their upper teeth when their mouths are closed. One of the defining characteristics that helps you distinguish a crocodile from an alligator is a crocodile’s toothy grin, which shows off both the top and bottom teeth.

Why they are called alligators?

Alligators first appeared during the Oligocene epoch about 37 million years ago. The name “alligator” is probably an anglicized form of el lagarto, the Spanish term for “the lizard”, which early Spanish explorers and settlers in Florida called the alligator.

What does the name crocodile mean?

Browse words next to “crocodile.” They named it krokodilos, the Greek word for “lizard.” Krokodilos literally means “pebble worm.” It is made up of the Greek words krokos, meaning “pebble,” and drilos, “worm.” The first part apparently comes from the habit of lizards of sunning themselves on warm rocks or pebbles.

What is Latin for alligator?

Borrowed from Latin alligātor.

How genetically different are crocodiles and alligators?

The DNA in alligators, crocodiles and gharials is about 93 percent identical across the genome. “The difference is that humans and macaques shared a common ancestor around 23 million years ago while alligators and crocodiles shared a common ancestor in the much more distant past, around 90 million years ago,” he said.

What is denotation and connotation of crocodile?

Definition of crocodile 1a : any of several large, carnivorous, thick-skinned, long-bodied, aquatic reptiles (family Crocodylidae and especially genus Crocodylus) of tropical and subtropical waters that have a long, tapered, V-shaped snout broadly : crocodilian. b : the skin or hide of a crocodile.

What does it mean when someone says crocodile tears?

Summary: When someone feigns sadness they ‘cry crocodile tears,’ a phrase that comes from an old myth that the animals cry while eating. When someone feigns sadness they “cry crocodile tears,” a phrase that comes from an old myth that the animals cry while eating.

Where did the word etymology come from?

late 14c., ethimolegia “facts of the origin and development of a word,” from Old French etimologie, ethimologie (14c., Modern French étymologie), from Latin etymologia, from Greek etymologia “analysis of a word to find its true origin,” properly “study of the true sense (of a word),” with -logia “study of, a speaking …

What is the origin of the word crocodile?

The word “crocodile” comes from the Ancient Greek word krokódeilos, which also means “lizard.” Within the Crocodilian order, their family is known as Crocodylidae.

What is the etymology of the word alligator?

The word “alligator” originates from the Spanish word el lagarto, which means “the lizard.” It is loosely defined as “any broad-snouted crocodilian.” Within the Crocodilian order, their family is known as Alligatoridae.

Are alligators and crocodiles the same thing?

Although alligators and crocodiles belong to the same group of reptiles, the only place where they coexist is south Florida. Here are more example sentences: One of the defining characteristics that helps you distinguish a crocodile from an alligator is a crocodile ‘s toothy grin, which shows off both the top and bottom teeth.

What did the crocodiles represent in ancient Egypt?

In ancient Egypt, they worshipped the alligators and crocodiles and to show their passion for these reptiles – they named a town Crocodilopolis. In this town, they worshiped the crocodiles with jewels and gold. Sobek, the crocodile god symbolized to them fertility and ultimate power protection.