A member of the archosaur order Crocodilia, including crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials. They are semi-aquatic predators with powerful jaws, armored skin, and a four-chambered heart.
From Greek 'krokodeilos' meaning pebble worm, possibly referring to their pebbly skin texture. The word traveled through Latin 'crocodilus' into English, maintaining its association with these ancient predators.
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