\Ter"ra*pin\, n. [Probably of American Indian origin.]
(Zo["o]l.)
Any one of numerous species of tortoises living in fresh and
brackish waters. Many of them are valued for food. [Written
also {terapin}, {terrapen}, {terrapene}, and {turapen}.]



Note: The yellow-bellied terrapin ({Pseudemys acebra}) of the
      Southern United States, the red-bellied terrapin
      ({Pseudemys rugosa}), native of the tributaries
      Chesapeake Bay (called also {potter}, {slider}, and
      {redfender}), and the diamond-back or salt-marsh
      terrapin ({Malaclemmys palustris}), are the most
      important American species. The diamond-back terrapin
      is native of nearly the whole of the Atlantic coast of
      the United States.

{Alligator terrapin}, the snapping turtle.

{Mud terrapin}, any one of numerous species of American
   tortoises of the genus {Cinosternon}.

{Painted terrapin}, the painted turtle. See under {Painted}.


{Speckled terrapin}, a small fresh-water American terrapin
   ({Chelopus guttatus}) having the carapace black with round
   yellow spots; -- called also {spotted turtle}.