grass snake
Noun: 1. A harmless European snake (Natrix natrix) characterized by a distinctive yellow or whitish collar behind its head. It is commonly found near water in England and other parts of Europe. 2. Any of numerous nonvenomous, often greenish or striped, snakes of North and Central America. This is a general term for several species, particularly those that are insectivorous or viviparous (giving birth to live young).
- European context: "We saw a grass snake swimming across the pond in the English countryside."
- North American context: "The smooth green snake is a type of grass snake found in North American meadows."
- The term is used broadly and informally. In scientific or precise contexts, specific species names (e.g., smooth green snake, garter snake) are preferred, especially in North America.
- The European species is sometimes called the ringed snake or water snake due to its collar and habitat.
- Garter snake: A very common type of nonvenomous North American snake, often referred to as a "grass snake."
- Green snake: Refers specifically to North American snakes of the genus , which are bright green in color.
- Natrix: The genus name for the European grass snake and its relatives.
- (For the European species): Ringed snake, water snake.
- (For North American species): Garter snake, green snake, garden snake (informal).
The meaning of "grass snake" depends heavily on geographical context: 1. In Europe, it typically refers to one specific, harmless, collar-bearing snake (Natrix natrix). 2. In North America, it is a general, non-scientific term for various harmless, small snakes commonly found in grassy areas, including garter snakes and green snakes. It does not refer to a single species.
- either of two North American chiefly insectivorous snakes that are green in color
- any of numerous nonvenomous longitudinally-striped viviparous North American and Central American snakes
- harmless European snake with a bright yellow collar; common in England