Definition

A large reptile found in southern Asia that looks like a crocodile and has a long, thin nose.

Example

The gavial is known for its unique long snout, which helps it catch fish.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a gavial in a documentary?

Yeah, those reptiles are fascinating with their long snouts!

I read that they mainly eat fish, which is pretty interesting.

Right! It's amazing how well adapted they are to their environment.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'gavial' comes from the Hindi word 'gāvia' (meaning fish-eating crocodile) and is derived from the Sanskrit 'gāva' (meaning cow), referring to the animal's long, narrow snout resembling that of a cow. The term specifically denotes a type of crocodilian found in the Indian subcontinent.

Memory Tip

Imagine a crocodile with a long snout that looks like a cow's face — that's why 'gavial' refers to this unique fish-eating crocodile.

Visually Confused Words