alligator

noun ah-lee-gah-TOR Rare

Origin: Spanish el lagarto (the lizard)

Usage Note

Alligator entered French from Spanish el lagarto (the lizard), by way of English. It is distinguished from crocodile in that alligators have a broader, rounder snout. In fashion, en alligator or en crocodile describes luxury reptile-skin leather goods.

Examples

"Un alligator se chauffait au soleil."

Natural Translation

An alligator was basking in the sun.

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