Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large, venomous African viper (Bitis arietans): A heavy-bodied snake known for its distinctive defensive behavior of inflating its body and hissing loudly when threatened.
   • A harmless North American hognose snake (Heterodon platirhinos): A non-venomous snake known for its upturned snout and dramatic defensive displays, which may include flattening its head and neck or feigning death.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The guide warned us to watch our step for the puff adder, a highly venomous snake.
  • Don't be alarmed by that hissing; it's just a harmless puff adder playing dead.

Advanced Usage

• The term "puff adder" is a common name applied to two very different snakes on separate continents, leading to potential confusion. Context (geographic location or description of behavior) is crucial for accurate identification.
• In a biological or herpetological context, the scientific names (African) and (North American) are used to avoid ambiguity.

Variants and Related Words

• Puff (verb): To swell or cause to swell by inflating with air or gas. This is the root action described in the snake's defensive behavior.
• Adder (noun): A general term for certain venomous snakes, particularly of the viper family.
• Hognose snake: The more precise common name for the North American "puff adder."

Synonyms

• For the African snake: African puff adder, common puff adder.
• For the North American snake: Eastern hognose, hissing adder, spreading adder.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary and most globally recognized meaning refers to the dangerous African viper.
• The secondary meaning refers to the North American hognose snake, which is harmless to humans. This usage is primarily regional (North America).
• The shared name originates from the similar defensive behavior of "puffing up" or inflating the body.

Noun

1. harmless North American snake with upturned nose; may spread its head and neck or play dead when disturbed
2. large African viper that inflates its body when alarmed