death adder en · NOUN
Etymology
Sometimes 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.
Meanings
- 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.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| death adders | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Deriveds
desert death adder · common death adder
Translations (11)
no dødsorm (Acanthophis) · ru смерте́льная змея́ (Acanthophis) · lmc iyatdururr (Acanthophis) · pl zdradnica (Acanthophis) · hu halálkígyó (Acanthophis) · zh 死亡蛇屬 /死亡蛇属 (Acanthophis) · de Todesottern (Acanthophis) · es víbora de la muerte (Acanthophis) · lt mirtinosios gyvatės (Acanthophis) · fr faiseur de mort (Acanthophis) · nl doodsadders (Acanthophis)