bushmaster

American  

[boosh-mas-ter, -mah-ster] / ˈbʊʃˌmæs tər, -ˌmɑ stər /

noun

1. a pit viper, Lachesis muta, of tropical America, that grows to a length of 12 feet (3.6 meters).

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bushmaster British  

/ ˈbʊʃˌmɑːstə /

noun

1. a large greyish-brown highly venomous snake, Lachesis muta , inhabiting wooded regions of tropical America: family Crotalidae (pit vipers)

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Etymology

Origin of bushmaster

First recorded in 1820–30; bush ¹ + master

Example Sentences

Ever since the night some 40 years ago when a bushmaster, sent by a Trinidad collector, chased him around his attic room, Dr. Ditmars has had a special regard for this snake.

From Time Magazine Archive

The elder Mr. Tate killed a poisonous bushmaster snake five feet long just after he had stepped across it in the dark.

From Time Magazine Archive

The bushmaster ranges from southern Costa Rica to northern Brazil.

From Time Magazine Archive

Dr. Ditmars brought back no bushmaster, the extremely deadly snake in search of which he has journeyed to Panama before, but he considers this trip eminently worthwhile for the bats alone.

From Time Magazine Archive

In the all but impenetrable cane thicket lay at least a measure of safety. 4Even Picici, the bushmaster, largest and deadliest of all the poisonous snakes heard—and heeded.

From The Black Phantom by Miller, Leo E. (Leo Edward)