trionyx Meaning, Definition & Usage

Tri*on"yx noun

Etymology

NL., fr. Gr. (see Tri-) + a claw.

Definitions

1. (Zoöl.) A genus of fresh-water or river turtles which have the shell imperfectly developed and covered with a soft leathery skin. They are noted for their agility and rapacity. Called also soft tortoise, soft-shell tortoise, and mud turtle. ✍ The common American species (Trionyx, ∨ Aspidonectus, ferox) becomes over a foot in length and is very voracious. Similar species are found in Asia and Africa.