crocodile
crocodile — noun
1. The crocodile is one of the biggest reptiles on Earth, known for its long, narro
The crocodile is one of the biggest reptiles on Earth, known for its long, narrow snout, extremely powerful bite, and tough, scaly skin. It makes its home in warm rivers, swamps, and lakes in many tropical countries.
A large crocodile lay still beside the river, waiting for a fish to swim past.
collocation: lie still beside [river]
Adina's class watched a crocodile slide into the water at the zoo.
Dewi saw a crocodile resting on a rock during their boat trip on the lake.
People who live near crocodile habitats are careful not to swim alone in the river.
The crocodile opened its huge jaws and showed rows of sharp, pointed teeth.
用法筆記
Often appears with a specific type name: Nile crocodile, saltwater crocodile, or freshwater crocodile.
常見錯誤
2. A line formed by people who walk together two by two, one pair behind another —
A line formed by people who walk together two by two, one pair behind another — a common way for school classes and camp groups to move between places in a safe, organised manner.
The children walked in a crocodile from the classroom to the sports field.
pattern: in a crocodile
Each morning the teacher led a crocodile of students across the main road.
collocation: lead a crocodile of [people]
Visitors at the museum watched a long crocodile of young children in uniform walk past.
At summer camp, the group formed a crocodile before heading to the dining hall.
- procession
A more general term for people moving in an orderly line, not limited to pairs.
- single file
A line where people walk one behind another, not in pairs.
用法筆記
This sense is primarily British English and is used mainly in school or group settings. It is typically used with the indefinite article: a crocodile.
3. The skin of a crocodile that has been treated and turned into a strong, patterne
The skin of a crocodile that has been treated and turned into a strong, patterned material for making luxury items such as shoes, bags, belts, and wallets.
Meera bought a brown wallet made from genuine crocodile leather.
collocation: genuine crocodile leather
The shop sells belts in both real crocodile skin and a cheaper fake version.
Stefan polished his crocodile-skin shoes before the wedding.
Some countries ban the trade of crocodile leather to protect wild crocodiles.
Camila's handbag was a gift made from fine crocodile hide.
- crocodile leather
Exactly the same meaning; 'leather' adds clarity about the material.
- crocodile hide
Slightly more informal; 'hide' emphasises the raw, untreated skin origin.
用法筆記
Can be used as a modifier in noun compounds (crocodile-skin shoes, crocodile-leather bag). When referring to the material itself, it is uncountable: 'This bag is made of crocodile.'