Definition

1. 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

1. any of numerous North American water snakes inhabiting fresh waters
2. venomous semiaquatic snake of swamps in southern United States