Definition

1. 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

1. venomous Australian snake resembling an adder