crocodilian

Everyday

1. (science) A crocodilian is any animal in the crocodile family group: crocodiles, alligators, caimans and gharials. tree →
2. Crocodilian (adjective) means like a crocodile or to do with crocodiles. tree →

In the lessons

In science, crocodilians are large reptiles with armoured skin, strong jaws and long tails that live in rivers and swamps of warm countries; they are close relatives of birds and of dinosaurs. In Australia, saltwater crocodiles live in the north — safety: obey crocodile warning signs and never swim where they live. In stories, a crocodilian grin is a wide, scary smile.

Examples

• Alligators and crocodiles are both crocodilians. tree →
• Crocodilians lay eggs in nests on land. tree →
• Crocodilians have been around since the time of the dinosaurs. tree →
• The gharial is a crocodilian with a long, thin snout. tree →
• The villain gave a crocodilian smile. tree →
• In Northern Australia, signs warn swimmers about crocodilians in the rivers. tree →

Note

Countable as a noun. Pronounced «krok-uh-DIL-ee-an». Myth: crocodiles do not really cry over their prey; «crocodile tears» means pretend sadness.