crocodīlus
masculine
The Latin word for crocodile is crocodīlus. Wiktionary also lists corcodīlus and corcodīllus.
Meaning: reptile (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | Note |
|---|---|
| crocodīlus | masculine |
| corcodīlus | masculine |
| corcodīllus | masculine |
The word refers to the reptile known as a crocodile.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word crocodīlus belongs to the second declension of Latin nouns. The plural nominative form is crocodīlī, the dative singular form is crocodīlō and the accusative singular form is crocodīlum.
Did you know?
- The Latin crocodīlus shares a root with the Greek word meaning 'gravel fish'. This suggests the early observers thought the animal's skin looked like pebbles or stones.
- In later Medieval Latin, the crocodīlus was frequently confused with the dragon, leading to descriptions of the reptile possessing mythical abilities in bestiaries.
- Because they were exotic, live crocodīlī were occasionally displayed in Roman arenas, and the word appeared in records of these spectacles to incite curiosity.
Examples in context
- Crocodīlus est animal periculōsum.The crocodile is a dangerous animal.
Example conversation
Lucia and Lucius are looking at a painting of animals.
- LuciaQuid est hoc animal, Lūcī?What is this animal, Lucius?
- LuciusHoc est crocodīlus.This is a crocodile.
- LuciaNatatne crocodīlus celeriter?Does the crocodile swim fast?
- LuciusIta, valdē celeriter natat.Yes, it swims very quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “crocodile” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
