crocodile

crocodile

1. any large tropical reptile, such as C. niloticus (African crocodile), of the family Crocodylidae: order Crocodilia (crocodilians). They have a broad head, tapering snout, massive jaws, and a thick outer covering of bony plates

2. any other reptile of the order Crocodilia; a crocodilian

Collins Discovery Encyclopedia, 1st edition © HarperCollins Publishers 2005

crocodile

[′kräk·ə‚dīl]

(electricity)

A unit of potential difference or electromotive force, equal to 10⁶ volts; used informally at some nuclear physics laboratories.

(vertebrate zoology)

The common name for about 12 species of aquatic reptiles included in the family Crocodylidae.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

deceleron

An aileron speed brake used especially on certain types of jet aircraft. Also known as a crocodile.

An Illustrated Dictionary of Aviation Copyright © 2005 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved

crocodile

feared as spirit of evil. [African Folklore: Jobes, 382; Mercatante, 9]

See: Demon

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crocodile

epitome of power of evil. [Medieval Animal Symbolism: White, 8–10]

See: Evil

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crocodile

symbolizes naughtiness and chicanery. [Jewish Tradition: Jobes, 382]

See: Mischievousness

Allusions—Cultural, Literary, Biblical, and Historical: A Thematic Dictionary. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.