water moccasin
water moccasin Lexical Profile
• noun
American A large, venomous, semiaquatic pit viper (Agkistrodon piscivorus) native to the southeastern United States, characterized by its dark, heavy body and the bright white interior of its mouth which it displays when threatened.
"While kayaking through the Louisiana bayou, the guide warned us to avoid the low-hanging branches where water moccasins are known to rest."
Word Nuance & Usage
The term 'water moccasin' is entirely synonymous with 'cottonmouth,' though colloquially, many people mistakenly apply the name to harmless, non-venomous water snakes found in the same habitats.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in American English in the late 18th century. 'Water' denotes its semiaquatic habitat, while 'moccasin' comes from the Algonquian word for a soft leather shoe; early European settlers often applied the term 'moccasin snake' to various dark, thick-bodied snakes, possibly due to their leathery appearance.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.