rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryadderVenomous snake
noun

adder

AD-er/ˈædər/

A small venomous snake.

The adder exposes its fangs as the hiker steps back.

On a woodland path, a small viper coils with fangs exposed as a hiker steps back from the venomous snake.
Etymology
adderOld Englishsnake, serpent

Old English næddre named a snake generally. Its meaning narrowed to the British viper, then broadened again to cover venomous or similar snakes elsewhere.

In context

Brian Barczyk8:03
I got sprayed with some puff adder venom
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Coupled by the death adder, which has the fastest strike of any venomous snake in the world.
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More examples

  • The guide warns visitors not to disturb an adder.
  • We watched two adders disappear into the dry grass.
  • The field guide identifies the snake as an adder.

Forms

adder · adders

Similar words

viper
Names the broader snake group that includes many adders.
snake
Includes many species that are neither small nor venomous.