terrapin Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun any of various edible North American web-footed turtles living in fresh or brackish water

Probably of American Indian origin.

(Zoöl.) Any one of numerous species of tortoises living in fresh and brackish waters. Many of them are valued for food. Written also terapin, terrapen, terrapene, and turapen. ✍ The yellow-bellied terrapin (Pseudemys acebra) of the Southern United States, the red-bellied terrapin (Pseudemys rugosa), native of the tributaries Chesapeake Bay (called also potter, slider, and redfender), and the diamond-back or salt-marsh terrapin (Malaclemmys palustris), are the most important American species. The diamond-back terrapin is native of nearly the whole of the Atlantic coast of the United States.