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Definition of smooth earth snake
smooth earth snake
Plural:smooth earth snakes
smooth earth snake Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
8
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
North American A small, secretive, non-venomous colubrid snake native to the eastern and central United States, distinguished by its smooth dorsal scales, uniform brown or gray coloration, and preference for burrowing in loose soil and forest litter.
Example
"While gardening in the backyard, she carefully uncovered a small smooth earth snake hidden beneath a pile of damp leaves."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
A descriptive common name reflecting the species' smooth (unkeeled) dorsal scales, its fossorial (burrowing) habit of living in loose soil and earth, and its biological classification.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Smooth earth snake. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/smooth earth snake