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Definition of temple pit viper
temple pit viper
Plural:temple pit vipers
temple pit viper Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
9
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
A venomous, arboreal pit viper species native to Southeast Asia, widely known for residing in and around the Snake Temple in Penang, Malaysia, and characterized by heat-sensing facial pits and striking coloration.
Example
"Tourists visiting Malaysia often marvel at the temple pit viper resting motionless on the altars of the famous sanctuary."
Word Nuance & Usage
Often used interchangeably with Wagler's pit viper, it derives its common name specifically from its prominent presence at the Snake Temple in Penang, Malaysia.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Temple pit viper. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/temple pit viper