musk turtle

noun

: any of various small American freshwater turtles (especially genus Sternotherus) that have musk glands
especially : a small dark turtle (S. odoratus) capable of producing a foul odor

Examples of musk turtle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Though some species like the eastern musk turtle are common, a listing means traders will need a permit to sell them internationally. Michael Casey, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2022 The latest challenge to the mine argues that the agencies that signed off did not take all the steps required by the Endangered Species Act to protect the musk turtle before approving the permit. Dennis Pillion | Dpillion@al.com, al, 23 June 2021 The most sought after include box turtles, diamondback terrapins, mud and musk turtles, softshell turtles and snapping turtles. Kimberly Miller, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of musk turtle was in 1868

Dictionary Entries Near musk turtle

Cite this Entry

“Musk turtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/musk%20turtle. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

musk turtle

noun
: any of several small American freshwater turtles with a strong musky or bad-smelling odor

More from Merriam-Webster on musk turtle

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!