Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Trionyx
‖
Tri-on′yx
,Noun.
[NL., fr. Gr. [GREEK] (see
Tri-
) + [GREEK] a claw.] (Zool.)
A genus of fresh-water or river turtles which have the shell imperfectly developed and covered with a soft leathery skin. They are noted for their agility and rapacity. Called also
soft tortoise
, soft-shell tortoise
, and mud turtle
. ☞ The common American species (
Trionyx ferox
syn. Aspidonectus ferox
) becomes over a foot in length and is very voracious. Similar species are found in Asia and Africa.