death adder
English
editEtymology
editSometimes suggested to derive from deaf adder, a colonial-era name for the snakes which referenced their tendency to remain in place (to ambush prey) rather than flee upon hearing human activity, but probably a simple reference to their venomousness.
Noun
editdeath adder (plural death adders)
- Any snake of the genus Acanthophis, a group of highly venomous elapids found in Australia and New Guinea.
- A copperhead, a venomous pit viper species Agkistrodon contortrix, found in North America.
- An eastern hognose snake, Heterodon platirhinos, a non-venomous colubrid species found in North America.
Derived terms
editTranslations
editAcanthophis
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