flying snake
flying snake Lexical Profile
• noun
Any of several mildly venomous arboreal snakes of the genus Chrysopelea, native to the rainforests of South and Southeast Asia, characterized by their remarkable ability to glide long distances between trees by flattening their ribs into a concave shape.
"While trekking through the dense jungles of Borneo, the researchers were fortunate enough to observe a flying snake launch itself from a high canopy branch and glide smoothly to a neighboring tree."
Word Nuance & Usage
Despite the literal meaning of their name, flying snakes do not achieve powered flight; they are gliders that launch themselves from trees and flatten their bodies to parachute to lower branches.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
A descriptive common name coined for their highly unusual ability to glide through the air, behavior unique among snakes.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.