Definition

snakebite (noun) 1. An injury caused by a snake's teeth piercing the skin: This refers specifically to the wound resulting from a snake's bite. The term is neutral and does not inherently indicate whether venom was injected. 2. The condition resulting from such a bite, especially from a venomous snake: In common usage, it often implies an envenomation, a medically significant event requiring treatment.

Usage

The word snakebite is a countable noun. It is typically used to describe the event or the resulting medical condition. * It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention for a snakebite. * The hiker survived a snakebite from a rattlesnake. * Snakebite kits are sold for emergency use in the wilderness.

Examples

• The farmer received a snakebite while working in the field.
• Her leg swelled up dramatically after the snakebite.
• Antivenom is the primary treatment for a venomous snakebite.
• Not all snakebites are life-threatening; some are "dry bites" where no venom is released.

Advanced Usage

• "snakebite and black" (British informal): A drink consisting of equal parts cider and lager.
  • He ordered a pint of snakebite and black at the pub.
• Used metaphorically to describe a sudden, sharp, and treacherous setback.
  • The sudden policy change was a political snakebite for the administration.

Variants and Related Words

• Snakebitten (adjective, informal): Unlucky; experiencing persistent misfortune.
  • The team has been snakebitten this season, losing several close games.
• Bite (noun/verb): The general act of using teeth to cut or puncture.
• Envenomation (noun, medical): The process by which venom is injected.

Synonyms

• Venomous bite
• Serpent bite

Related Phrases

• Dry bite: A snakebite where the snake does not inject venom.
• Snakebite victim: A person who has been bitten by a snake.
• Snakebite treatment: The medical procedures used to address a bite.

Noun

1. a bite inflicted by a (venomous) snake