cocodrilo

crocodile

noun koh-koh-DREE-loh Rare

Origin: From Greek krokodilos, via Latin crocodilus.

Usage Note

Cocodrilo is the standard Spanish term for a crocodile. In some Latin American countries caimán is used for caiman species, but cocodrilo covers true crocodiles (Crocodylus) universally. The expression lágrimas de cocodrilo (crocodile tears) is widely used, exactly parallel to English.

Examples

"Un cocodrilo descansaba a orillas del río."

Natural Translation

A crocodile was resting on the river bank.

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