cerastes

[ suh-ras-teez ]

noun

, plural ce·ras·tes.

1. any of several small vipers of the genus Cerastes, including the horned viper, that have a sideways looping motion like that of a sidewinder and inhabit deserts of northern Africa and southwestern Asia.

cerastes

/ səˈræstiːz /

noun

1. any venomous snake of the genus Cerastes, esp the horned viper

Word History and Origins

Origin of cerastes¹

1768; < New Latin < Greek kerástēs literally, something horned, equivalent to kerat- stem of kéras horn + -tēs noun suffix; earlier in sense “asp,” Middle English < Medieval Latin, Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of cerastes¹

C16: from Latin: horned serpent, from Greek kerastēs horned, from keras horn

Example Sentences

He is called the cerastes, and is venomous, I believe, though not one of the worst kinds of poisonous snakes.

From Project Gutenberg

In fine, madam, if examples can soothe your grief, remember that Venus changed Cerastes into an ox.

From Project Gutenberg

At a relatively late period other snakes were adopted as surrogates of the cobra and Cerastes.

From Project Gutenberg

The cerastes is also employed occasionally by the snake-charmers.

From Project Gutenberg

The name Cerastes, or horned, has been given to it on account of these projections.

From Project Gutenberg