leatherback turtle
A species of sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). The name is usually written in katakana.
The leatherback turtle is the largest sea turtle in the world.
The leatherback turtle is designated as an endangered species.
Katakana spelling is standard for this animal name; the word is usually written in kana.
Hiragana spelling, also common.
Rare kanji form; the first character means 'long' and the second 'turtle'.
Rare kanji form; the first character means 'leather' and the second 'turtle'.
The name likely derives from the leathery texture of its shell, with おさ (osa) possibly related to 瘡 (kasa, 'skin disease') or an old word for 'leather', and がめ (game) meaning 'turtle'. The exact origin is uncertain.