puff adder
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- harmless North American snake with upturned nose; may spread its head and neck or play dead when disturbed
- large African viper that inflates its body when alarmed