Definition

Noun: 1. A venomous marine reptile: A sea snake is any of numerous species of venomous, aquatic snakes that live in warm coastal waters. They are characterized by a flattened, paddle-like tail for swimming and give birth to live young (viviparous). They hunt fish, which they immobilize with potent, fast-acting venom.

Usage

• Sea snakes are highly adapted to life in the ocean and are rarely found on land.
• The sea snake's venom is neurotoxic, primarily affecting the nervous system of its prey.
• While encounters with humans are uncommon, a sea snake bite requires immediate medical attention.

Examples

• Divers in the coral reef observed a banded sea snake hunting among the rocks.
• The sea snake is one of the most venomous reptiles in the world, yet it is generally not aggressive.
• Scientists study the sea snake's physiology to understand its adaptation to a fully aquatic life.

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Context: In scientific classification, sea snakes belong to the subfamily Hydrophiinae (or the family Elapidae).
• Ecological Role: As predators, sea snakes play a role in controlling fish populations in their littoral ecosystems.

Variants and Related Words

• Hydrophiinae (n): The scientific subfamily name for true sea snakes.
• Elapid (n): A member of the Elapidae family, which includes sea snakes, cobras, and coral snakes.
• Aquatic snake (n): A broader term for any snake that lives primarily in water.

Synonyms

• Marine snake
• Hydrophiine (scientific context)

Notes on Meaning

The term sea snake refers specifically to a group of venomous, live-bearing snakes fully adapted to marine life. It is distinct from other aquatic or semi-aquatic snakes, such as file snakes or sea kraits (which lay eggs on land), though sea kraits are sometimes colloquially included. The defining features are viviparity, a flattened tail, and inhabiting warm, shallow seas.

Noun

1. any of numerous venomous aquatic viviparous snakes having a fin-like tail; of warm littoral seas; feed on fish which they immobilize with quick-acting venom