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Definition of northern death adder
northern death adder
Plural:northern death adders
northern death adder Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
9
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
Australian A highly venomous elapid snake (Acanthophis praelongus) native to northern Australia and New Guinea, characterized by a stout body, a broad triangular head, and an ambush hunting strategy utilizing its tail as a lure.
Example
"The survey team was warned to watch their step in the woodland, as the well-camouflaged northern death adder often lies half-buried in the leaf litter awaiting prey."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from its geographic distribution in northern Australia and New Guinea, combined with 'death adder', a name reflecting its highly toxic venom and traditional resemblance to vipers. 'Adder' stems from Old English 'nædre' (serpent).
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Northern death adder. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/northern death adder