Definify.com

Definition 2024

death_adder

death adder

English

Death Adder, Acanthophis antarctica
Agkistrodon contortrix
Heterodon platirhinos

Wikispecies

Noun

death adder ‎(plural death adders)

  1. A snake of the genus Acanthophis, a group of highly venomous elapids found in Australia and New Guinea.
  2. The copperhead, a venomous pit viper species Agkistrodon contortrix, found in North America.
  3. The eastern hognose snake, Heterodon platirhinos, a non-venomous colubrid species found in North America.

Derived terms

Translations

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.

Similar Results