Definition

Noun: A venomous coral snake species native to the Americas, characterized by a distinctive and vivid color pattern of alternating red, black, and either yellow or white bands. It is a member of the cobra family (Elapidae).

Usage

This is a specific zoological term used to identify a particular type of brightly colored, venomous snake. It is primarily used in scientific, academic, or wildlife contexts. * The harlequin-snake is often confused with non-venomous mimics due to its bright coloration. * Researchers are studying the venom of the harlequin-snake for potential medical applications.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used metaphorically to describe something with a strikingly variegated or patchy color pattern, though this is rare.
  • The garden was a tapestry of color, a harlequin-snake of blooming flowers.

Variants and Related Words

• Eastern coral snake (): A specific species of harlequin-snake found in the southeastern United States.
• Coral snake: The common name for the family of snakes to which the harlequin-snake belongs.
• Elapid: The biological family (Elapidae) encompassing cobras, mambas, and coral snakes like the harlequin-snake.

Synonyms

• Coral snake
• American coral snake

Different Meanings

This word has no other distinct meanings outside of its primary zoological definition.

Noun

1. any of several venomous New World snakes brilliantly banded in red and black and either yellow or white; widely distributed in South America and Central America