| trionyx | <zoology> A genus of fresh water or river turtles which have the shell imperfectly developed and covered with a soft leathery skin. They are noted for their agility and rapacity. Synonym: soft tortoise, soft-shell tortoise, and mud turtle. The common American species (Trionyx, or Aspidonectus, ferox) becomes over a foot in length and is very voracious. Similar species are found in Asia and Africa. Origin: NL, fr. Gr. (see Tri-) + a claw. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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