GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   ‖Elater , n. [NL., fr. Gr.  driver, fr.  to drive.]
   (Bot.) An elastic spiral filament for dispersing the spores, as in some liverworts.
   1913 Webster
   (Zoöl.) Any beetle of the family Elateridæ, having the habit, when laid on the back, of giving a sudden upward spring, by a quick movement of the articulation between the abdomen and thorax; -- called also click beetle, spring beetle, and snapping beetle.
   1913 Webster
   (Zoöl.) The caudal spring used by Podura and related insects for leaping. See Collembola.
   1913 Webster
         
       

2.       
   Snapping , a. & n. from Snap, v.
   1913 Webster
   Snapping beetle. (Zool.) See Snap beetle, under Snap. -- Snapping turtle. (Zool.) (a) A large and voracious aquatic turtle (Chelydra serpentina) common in the fresh waters of the United States; -- so called from its habit of seizing its prey by a snap of its jaws. Called also mud turtle. (b) See Alligator snapper, under Alligator.
   1913 Webster