What is the spanish root word for alligator?

There isn't a direct Spanish root word for "alligator" because the word itself is of Native American origin.

However, the Spanish word for alligator is "caimán". This word comes from the Taíno language, spoken by indigenous people in the Caribbean.

Interestingly, the word "caimán" is also used in English, especially when referring to specific species of alligators, like the "black caiman" or "spectacled caiman."