hognose snake
hognose snake Lexical Profile
• noun
Any of several stout-bodied colubrid snakes (notably of the North American genus Heterodon), characterized by an upturned, pig-like snout used for burrowing in sandy soils and famous for defensive displays that include flattening the neck, hissing, and ultimately feigning death.
"While exploring the sandy pine barrens, the biologist spotted an eastern hognose snake using its specialized snout to unearth a toad."
Word Nuance & Usage
Often mistaken by laypeople for highly venomous adders or cobras because they defensively flatten their necks and hiss loudly, though they are mostly harmless to humans.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in American English in the late 18th century, named for its distinctly upturned, pig-like snout which it uses to excavate sandy soils.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.