water moccasin
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Definition
- Noun:
- A venomous, semiaquatic pit viper (Agkistrodon piscivorus) native to the southeastern United States, often found in or near swamps, marshes, and slow-moving bodies of water. It is also commonly called a "cottonmouth."
- (Less commonly) Any of various non-venomous North American water snakes.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- We saw a water moccasin coiled on a log near the swamp's edge.
- The biologist carefully handled the water moccasin to collect a venom sample.
- (Less common usage) Some people mistakenly call the harmless banded water snake a water moccasin.
Advanced Usage
- The term "water moccasin" is often used interchangeably with "cottonmouth", which refers to the snake's characteristic defensive display of opening its mouth wide to reveal the white interior.
- In herpetology (the study of reptiles and amphibians), the scientific name is preferred to avoid confusion with non-venomous species.
Variants and Related Words
- Cottonmouth (n): The most common synonym for the venomous .
- Pit viper (n): The family of venomous snakes to which the water moccasin belongs, characterized by heat-sensing pits between the eyes and nostrils.
- Agkistrodon piscivorus (n): The scientific (Latin) name for the species.
Synonyms
- Cottonmouth
- (scientific)
Related Phrases
- To display like a cottonmouth/water moccasin: To act in a defensive, threatening manner. (This is a figurative use based on the snake's behavior).
- When confronted, he displayed like a cottonmouth, becoming instantly hostile.
Notes on Different Meanings
- The primary and most specific meaning refers to the venomous pit viper, .
- The secondary, broader, and less precise meaning can refer to various non-venomous water snakes, though this usage is discouraged by experts to prevent dangerous misidentification.
Noun
- any of numerous North American water snakes inhabiting fresh waters
- venomous semiaquatic snake of swamps in southern United States