death adder

Meaning

Noun

• A snake of the genus Acanthophis, a group of highly venomous elapids found in Australia and New Guinea.
• The copperhead, a venomous pit viper species Agkistrodon contortrix, found in North America.
• The eastern hognose snake, Heterodon platirhinos (species), a non-venomous colubrid species found in North America.

Origin

• Sometimes suggested to derive from deaf adder, a colonial-era name for the snakes which referenced their tendency to remain in place (to ambush prey) rather than flee upon hearing human activity, but probably a simple reference to their venomousness.