ophidian

[ oh-fid-ee-uhn ]

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the suborder Ophidia (Serpentes), comprising the snakes.

noun

1. a snake.

ophidian

/ əʊˈfɪdɪən /

adjective

1. snakelike
2. of, relating to, or belonging to the Ophidia, a suborder of reptiles that comprises the snakes

noun

1. any reptile of the suborder Ophidia; a snake

ophidian

/ ō-fĭd′ē-ən /

1. A member of the suborder Ophidia or Serpentes; a snake.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ophidian¹

First recorded in 1820–30; from New Latin Ophidi(a) (neuter plural) name of the suborder (from Greek ophídion (neuter singular), equivalent to óph(is) “serpent” + -idion diminutive suffix) + -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of ophidian¹

C19: from New Latin Ophidia name of suborder, from Greek ophidion, from ophis snake

Example Sentences

It is her treatment by others — mostly lustful and vengeful gods — that brings about her ophidian transformation, and even still she tries to protect the world she loves from the harm of her destructive gaze.

From Washington Post

The jeweler’s earliest snake-inspired pieces tended toward abstraction, referencing ophidian sinuousness by way of a corrugated gold bracelet — based on the articulated flex of gas piping — that slithered up the wrist.

From New York Times

An obnoxious ophidian invaded a soccer pitch in Guatemala, delaying a game between Nueva Concepcion and Municipal.

From Seattle Times

It didn't work; the nomadic ophidian is now in residence at the San Diego Zoo.

From Los Angeles Times

The avoidance of interspecific competition in feeding is well illustrated by three species of snakes that probably are the primary ophidian predators on frogs.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• snake
• viper