Definition

Noun 1. A small, nonvenomous North American snake characterized by a distinct yellow or orange ring around its neck. This refers to several species, such as the ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus). 2. A harmless European snake, specifically the grass snake (Natrix natrix), identifiable by a bright yellow or whitish collar marking behind its head. This species is common in parts of England and Europe.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • We found a ring snake under the log; its orange neck ring was very vivid.
  • The ring snake, often called a grass snake here, is a protected species in this country.
  • Unlike venomous snakes, the ring snake is harmless to humans.

Advanced Usage

• "Ring snake" as a herpetological term: The term is used in zoology and field guides to categorize these specific snakes based on their distinctive neck marking, which is a key identification feature.

Variants and Related Words

• Ring-necked snake (n): The more precise common name for the North American .
• Grass snake (n): The common name for the European ().
• Collar snake (n): An occasional informal name referencing the same neck marking.

Synonyms

• Ring-necked snake (for the North American species)
• Grass snake (for the European species)

Related Phrases

• Harmless snake: A general descriptive phrase that applies to the .
• Colubrid snake: The family (Colubridae) to which most belong.

Noun

1. any of numerous small nonvenomous North American snakes with a yellow or orange ring around the neck
2. harmless European snake with a bright yellow collar; common in England