terapin

Terrapin Ter"ra*pin, n. [Probably of American Indian origin.] (Zo["o]l.) 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}, {turpen}, and {turapen}.] [1913 Webster]

Note: The yellow-bellied terrapin ({Pseudemys scabra}) of the Southern United States, the red-bellied terrapin ({Pseudemys rugosa} or {Chrysemys rubriventris}), 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. [1913 Webster]

{Alligator terrapin}, the snapping turtle.

{Mud terrapin}, any one of numerous species of American tortoises of the genus {Cinosternon}.

{Painted terrapin}, the painted turtle. See under {Painted}.

{Speckled terrapin}, a small fresh-water American terrapin ({Chelopus guttatus}) having the carapace black with round yellow spots; -- called also {spotted turtle}. [1913 Webster]