The spelling of the word "alligator" may seem strange to those unfamiliar with its origins. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word is /ˈæləˌɡeɪtər/. The letters "a-l-l-i-g-a-t-o-r" represent the sounds /æ/ (a), /l/ (l), /ə/ (uh), /ɡ/ (g), /eɪ/ (ay), /t/ (t), and /ər/ (er). The word is derived from the Spanish word "el lagarto" meaning "the lizard," which was then anglicized to "alligator." Despite its peculiar spelling, the word is now widely recognized around the world as the name of a fearsome reptile.
An alligator is a large, semi-aquatic reptile belonging to the order Crocodylia and the family Alligatoridae. These impressive creatures can be found primarily in freshwater habitats such as rivers, swamps, and marshes throughout the southeastern United States and parts of China.
The term "alligator" can also refer to the two extant species within the family Alligatoridae, namely the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) and the Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis). These species are typically distinguished by their physical characteristics and range. American alligators, for instance, are known for their large size, robust bodies, broad snouts, and dark coloration. Chinese alligators, although smaller in size, possess a more armored appearance and a narrower, more pointed snout.
Alligators are renowned for their remarkable adaptations to their aquatic lifestyle. They have strong limbs, webbed toes, and a powerful tail that enable efficient swimming. Additionally, their eyes, ears, and nostrils are situated on the top of their head, allowing them to remain mostly submerged while still being able to observe their surroundings and breathe. With a highly developed sense of smell and excellent night vision, alligators are efficient hunters and predominantly feed on fish, amphibians, birds, and other small mammals.
Due to their large size and predatory nature, alligators are generally regarded as formidable and potentially dangerous. Consequently, conservation efforts have been implemented to protect their populations while ensuring human safety in their respective habitats.
• The American crocodile.
• An animal of the reptile kind; the American crocodile.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "alligator" originated from the Spanish word "el lagarto", which means "the lizard". This term was later brought to English-speaking regions by Spanish explorers and settlers. Over time, "el lagarto" was anglicized and transformed into "alligator" to describe the large reptile found in North and South America.