serpentes
Definition
- Noun:
- Serpentes: A taxonomic suborder comprising limbless, elongated reptiles; snakes. This term is used in scientific classification.
Usage
- Serpentes is a formal, scientific term. It is primarily used in zoological, biological, or herpetological contexts to refer to the group of animals commonly known as snakes.
Examples
- The suborder Serpentes includes diverse families like vipers, cobras, and pythons.
- Herpetologists study the evolution and behavior of Serpentes.
Advanced Usage
- In phylogenetic studies, Serpentes is defined as a clade within the order Squamata, which also includes lizards (suborder Lacertilia).
Variants and Related Words
- Serpent (n): An archaic or literary term for a snake, often implying a large or mythical creature.
- The ancient myth featured a giant serpent.
- Ophidian (adj/n): A technical adjective meaning "relating to snakes," or a noun meaning "a snake."
- The museum had an exhibit on ophidian anatomy.
Synonyms
- Snakes: The common, everyday term.
- Ophidians: A more technical synonym.
Notes on Meaning
- Serpentes refers specifically to the biological suborder. It is not typically used in general conversation. The word snakes is used for both general and scientific communication, while Serpentes is reserved for formal taxonomic classification.
Noun
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snakes
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