Search Dictionary
Definition of mexican jumping viper
mexican jumping viper
Plural:Mexican jumping vipers
mexican jumping viper Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
10
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
North American A stout, venomous pit viper native to the forests of eastern Mexico and Central America, known for its extremely forceful and explosive strike.
Example
"During the herpetology expedition in Veracruz, the researchers maintained a respectful distance from the Mexican jumping viper to avoid its famously rapid strike."
Word Nuance & Usage
The name is slightly misleading; the snake does not actually use jumping as a mode of locomotion, but rather strikes with such explosive force that it can lift its entire body off the ground.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from its native geographical range in eastern Mexico and its characteristic, highly vigorous defensive strike that creates the illusion of jumping.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mexican jumping viper. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mexican jumping viper