from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Terrapin \Ter"ra*pin\, n. [Probably of American Indian origin.]
(Zool.)
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]