Alligator vs. Eel — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Alligator and Eel
ADVERTISEMENT
Compare with Definitions
Alligator
An alligator is a crocodilian in the genus Alligator of the family Alligatoridae. The two extant species are the American alligator (A. mississippiensis) and the Chinese alligator (A. sinensis).
Eel
Eels are ray-finned fish belonging to the order Anguilliformes (), which consists of eight suborders, 19 families, 111 genera, and about 800 species. Eels undergo considerable development from the early larval stage to the eventual adult stage, and most are predators.
Alligator
Either of two large semiaquatic reptiles, Alligator mississipiensis of the southeast United States or A. sinensis of China, having sharp teeth and powerful jaws. They differ from crocodiles in having a broader, shorter snout.
Eel
Any of various long, snakelike, scaleless marine or freshwater fishes of the order Anguilliformes that lack pelvic fins and characteristically migrate from fresh water to salt water to spawn.
Alligator
Leather made from the hide of one of these reptiles.
ADVERTISEMENT
Eel
Any of several similar fishes, such as the lamprey and electric eel.
Alligator
A tool or fastener having strong, adjustable, often toothed jaws.
Eel
Any freshwater or marine fish of the order Anguilliformes, which are elongated and resemble snakes.
Alligator
Either of two species of large amphibious reptile, Alligator mississippiensis or Alligator sinensis, in the genus Alligator within order Crocodilia, which have sharp teeth and very strong jaws and are native to the Americas and China, respectively.
All you could see of the alligator were two eyes above the water, then suddenly it snatched up and caught the poor bird with strong jaws full of sharp teeth.
Eel
The European eel, Anguilla anguilla.
Alligator
(paleontology) A member of the family Alligatoridae, which includes the caimans.
Eel
To fish for eels.
Alligator
(Nigeria) dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis)
Eel
To move with a sinuous motion like that of an eel.
Alligator
(formerly) Applied to any species of crocodile.
Eel
An elongated fish of many genera and species. The common eels of Europe and America belong to the genus Anguilla. The electrical eel is a species of Gymnotus. The so called vinegar eel is a minute nematode worm. See Conger eel, Electric eel, and Gymnotus.
Alligator
Any of various machines with strong jaws, one of which opens like the movable jaw of an alligator.
Eel
The fatty flesh of eel; an elongate fish found in fresh water in Europe and America; large eels are usually smoked or pickled
Alligator
(metalworking) A form of squeezer for the puddle ball.
Eel
Voracious snakelike marine or freshwater fishes with smooth slimy usually scaleless skin and having a continuous vertical fin but no ventral fins
Alligator
(mining) A rock breaker.
Alligator
(printing) A kind of job press.
Alligator
Any of various vehicles that have relatively long, low noses in front of a cab or other, usually windowed, structure.
Alligator
(obsolete) One who binds or ties.
Alligator
To crack in a pattern resembling an alligator's skin.
Alligator
Used in a common chronometric counting scheme, in which the speaker counts out loud, saying the word "alligator" between the numbers so that each number is spoken approximately one second after the last one.
Alligator
A large carnivorous reptile of the Crocodile family, peculiar to America. It has a shorter and broader snout than the crocodile, and the large teeth of the lower jaw shut into pits in the upper jaw, which has no marginal notches. Besides the common species of the southern United States, there are allied species in South America.
Alligator
Any machine with strong jaws, one of which opens like the movable jaw of an alligator
Alligator
To form shallow cracks in a reticulated pattern on the surface, or in a coating on the surface, of an object.
Alligator
Leather made from alligator's hide
Alligator
Either of two amphibious reptiles related to crocodiles but with with shorter broader snouts
Alligator
Of paint, varnish, or the like: to crack and acquire the appearance of alligator hide, as from weathering or improper application
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
News vs. AnnouncementNext Comparison
Hyperion vs. Saturn