death adder
death adder Lexical Profile
• noun
Australian A highly venomous elapid snake of the genus Acanthophis, native to Australia, New Guinea, and surrounding islands, distinguished by its broad triangular head, stout body, and a specialized worm-like tail tip used as a lure to ambush prey.
"While surveying the dry woodland, the ecologist was careful to watch the leaf litter for a perfectly camouflaged death adder waiting in ambush."
Word Origin & Etymology
Originally called the 'deaf adder' by early European settlers in Australia because the snake relies heavily on camouflage rather than fleeing when approached, giving the false impression of deafness. The name gradually shifted to 'death adder' due to its highly toxic venom and the lethal nature of its bite.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.