death adder
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A venomous Australian snake resembling an adder: A death adder is a highly venomous snake native to Australia and New Guinea. It is not a true adder but belongs to the elapid family, which includes cobras and coral snakes. It is characterized by a broad, triangular head, a stout body, and a thin tail, often used for luring prey.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The death adder is one of the most dangerous snakes in Australia due to its potent venom and ambush hunting style.
- Hikers are advised to watch their step in the bush to avoid a death adder.
- The death adder's camouflage makes it difficult to spot among leaf litter.
Advanced Usage
- "death adder bite": Refers specifically to the injury or medical condition caused by this snake's venom.
- Immediate antivenom is required for a death adder bite.
- In scientific/zoological context: Often used with its genus name, .
- The species Acanthophis antarcticus is commonly known as the common death adder.
Variants and Related Words
- Death adders (plural noun): The standard plural form.
- Several death adders were observed in the study.
- Acanthophis (proper noun): The scientific genus name for death adders.
Synonyms
- Acanthophis (scientific context): The genus name.
- Elapid snake (broader category): Refers to the family of venomous snakes it belongs to.
Related Phrases
- "As deadly as a death adder": An idiomatic comparison emphasizing extreme danger or lethality.
- The new virus was described by some as being as deadly as a death adder.
- "Death adder country": A colloquial term for regions where these snakes are commonly found.
- You're in death adder country now, so be vigilant.
Noun
- venomous Australian snake resembling an adder