| rattlesnake | <zoology> Any one of several species of venomous American snakes belonging to the genera Crotalus and Caudisona, or Sistrurus. They have a series of horny interlocking joints at the end of the tail which make a sharp ratting sound when shaken. The common rattlesnake of the Northern United States (Crotalus horridus), and the diamond rattlesnake of the south (C. Adamanteus), are the best known. <zoology> Ground rattlesnake, a small rattlesnake (Caudisona, or Sistrurus, miliaria) of the Southern United States, having a small rattle. It has nine large scales on its head. <botany> Rattlesnake fern, a plant of the composite genus Hieracium (H. Venosum); probably so named from its spotted leaves. See also Snakeroot. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
|---|---|
| rattlesnake bite | A venomous (poisonous) snake bite. All rattlesnakes are venomous and secrete poisonous venom. (12 Dec 1998) |