cottonmouth
cottonmouth Lexical Profile
• noun
An informal term for a condition characterized by severe dryness in the mouth, often resulting from dehydration, nervousness, or the use of certain medications or cannabis.
"After delivering an hour-long presentation without a water break, she had a terrible case of cottonmouth."
American A venomous, semi-aquatic pit viper native to the southeastern United States, noted for the distinctive, stark white interior of its mouth displayed when threatened.
"While kayaking through the dense Florida swamp, the guide warned us to watch out for any cottonmouth resting on the low-hanging branches."
Word Nuance & Usage
The term distinctly serves dual purposes: in biological contexts, it refers to a dangerous venomous snake, while in informal contexts, it refers to the temporary physical symptom of a severely dry mouth.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
An American English compound word originating in the 19th century, named for the stark, cotton-like white interior of the snake's mouth, which it displays as a warning when threatened.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.