Caiman vs. Alligator — What's the Difference?

A caiman (also cayman as a variant spelling) is an alligatorid belonging to the subfamily Caimaninae, one of two primary lineages within Alligatoridae, the other being alligators.

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).

Any of various tropical American crocodilians of the genus Caiman and related genera of the family Alligatoridae, differing from the alligators in having bony plates on the belly.

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.

(narrowly) Any of the relatively small crocodilians of the genus Caiman, within the family Alligatoridae.

Leather made from the hide of one of these reptiles.

(loosely) A crocodilian of the subfamily Caimaninae, which includes the very large black caiman.

A tool or fastener having strong, adjustable, often toothed jaws.

A semi-aquatic lizard, of the genus Dracaena, found in South America. To differentiate from caimans, they are referred to as caiman lizards.

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.

See Cayman.

(paleontology) A member of the family Alligatoridae, which includes the caimans.

An alligator-like reptile of Central America and South America having a more heavily armored belly

(Nigeria) dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis)

(formerly) Applied to any species of crocodile.

Any of various machines with strong jaws, one of which opens like the movable jaw of an alligator.

(metalworking) A form of squeezer for the puddle ball.

(mining) A rock breaker.

(printing) A kind of job press.

Any of various vehicles that have relatively long, low noses in front of a cab or other, usually windowed, structure.

(obsolete) One who binds or ties.

To crack in a pattern resembling an alligator's skin.

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.

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.

Any machine with strong jaws, one of which opens like the movable jaw of an alligator

To form shallow cracks in a reticulated pattern on the surface, or in a coating on the surface, of an object.

Leather made from alligator's hide

Either of two amphibious reptiles related to crocodiles but with with shorter broader snouts

Of paint, varnish, or the like: to crack and acquire the appearance of alligator hide, as from weathering or improper application