gaboon viper

noun

1. a large, venomous snake, Bitis gabonica, of tropical African forests, having large retractable fangs and geometrically patterned scales of yellow, brown, and sometimes purple.

gaboon viper

noun

1. a large venomous viper, Bitis gabonica , that occurs in African rainforests. It has brown and purple markings and hornlike projections on its snout

Word History and Origins

Origin of gaboon viper¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

It added that collectors prize both species of turtles in the domestic and foreign trade markets, while the venom of the Gaboon viper – which is native to Sub-Saharan Africa -- "can cause shock, loss of consciousness or death in humans."

From Fox News

But it escapes being eaten by birds, lizards, and snakes with a trick never seen anywhere else in the world: It looks and acts just like the Gaboon viper, one of the most venomous snakes in Central Africa.

From Science Magazine

Finally, when the toad senses danger, it lets out a long, low hissing noise, similar to the warning hiss a Gaboon viper might make before it strikes.

From Science Magazine

But it escapes being eaten by birds, lizards, and snakes with a trick never seen anywhere else in the world: It looks and acts just like the Gaboon viper, one of the most venomous snakes in Central Africa.

From Science Magazine

The Gaboon viper has the largest fangs.

From The Guardian