harlequin-snake
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- 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