<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>either of two broad-snouted crocodilians of the genus Alligator, of the southeastern U.S. and eastern China</li><li>(loosely) any broad-snouted crocodilian, as a caiman</li><li>a machine for bringing the balls of iron from a puddling furnace into compact form so that they can be handled</li><li>an enthusiastic fan of swing (Jazz)</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used without object)</strong></p><ul><li>to crack and acquire the appearance of alligator hide, as from weathering or improper application to a surface (of paint, varnish, or the like)</li><li>(of a rolled metal slab) to split and curl up and down at one end; fishmouth</li></ul>