death adder

English

death adder, Acanthophis antarctica
Agkistrodon contortrix
Heterodon platirhinos

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.

Noun

death adder (plural death adders)

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

Derived terms

Translations

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