rattlesnake

[rat-l-sneyk]

noun

1. any of several New World pit vipers of the genera Crotalus and Sistrurus, having a rattle composed of a series of horny, interlocking elements at the end of the tail.

rattlesnake

/ ˈrætəlˌsneɪk /

noun

1. any of the venomous New World snakes constituting the genera Crotalus and Sistrurus , such as C. horridus ( black or timber rattlesnake ): family Crotalidae (pit vipers). They have a series of loose horny segments on the tail that are vibrated to produce a buzzing or whirring sound

Word History and Origins

Origin of rattlesnake¹

An Americanism dating back to 1620–30; rattle ¹ + snake

Example Sentences

It is also strong on the unbalanced nature of their relationship, with a friend of Andrew's describing the prince's dealings with Epstein as "like putting a rattlesnake in an aquarium with a mouse".

From BBC

The dark, eerie lower world is dominated by two giant rattlesnakes whose writhings cause the ground in the middle world — our world — to shake.

From Los Angeles Times

The dogs are all trained not to pull on the leash, to stay in formation and to steer clear of rattlesnakes by sight, sound or scent.

From Los Angeles Times

Be mindful of rattlesnakes, as it looks like the perfect spot for them to nap.

From Los Angeles Times

For Putman, who used to study rattlesnakes, fence lizards are a model for how animals handle rapidly changing environments.

From Los Angeles Times