rattlesnake

Definition

Any of various venomous American snakes, of genera Crotalus and Sistrurus, having a rattle at the end of its tail.

Etymology

From rattle + snake.

Example Sentences

• "Hooded rattlesnakes, horned toads, and lizards crawl in the dust and among the rocks."
• "The country ran shuttles and posted signs encouraging visitors to enjoy the display responsibly, but those precautions didn't prevent rattlesnake bites, twisted ankles, heat exhaustion, Instacelebs and other selfie-takers lying in or otherwise trampling the delicate blooms they'd come to see."
• "Generally not aggressive, rattlesnakes strike when threatened or deliberately provoked, but given room they will retreat. Most snake bites occur when a rattlesnake is handled or accidentally touched by someone walking or climbing. The majority of snakebites occur on the hands, feet and ankles."