gavial

noun

ga·​vi·​al ˈgā-vē-əl How to pronounce gavial (audio)
: gharial

Word History

Etymology

French, modification of Bengali ghãṛiyal or Hindi ghaṛyal — more at gharial

First Known Use

circa 1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gavial was circa 1825

Dictionary Entries Near gavial

Gavia

gavial

Gavialidae

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Gavial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gavial. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gavial

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