copperhead

[ kop-er-hed ]

noun

1. a venomous snake, Agkistrodon ( Ancistrodon ) contortrix, of the eastern and southern U.S., having a light-brown to copper-red body marked with darker bands.
2. an extremely venomous but sluggish snake, Denisonia superba, of Australia and Tasmania, having a reddish to black body, depending on the region.
3. Copperhead,
   1. U.S. History. a Northern Democrat who opposed the Civil War, advocating peace and restoration of the Union even if slavery continued.
   2. Military. a finned, 155 mm cannon-launched U.S. Army artillery shell that homes on the target, using the reflection of a laser beam projected by a forward observer.

copperhead

/ ˈkɒpəˌhɛd /

noun

1. a venomous reddish-brown snake, Agkistrodon contortrix, of the eastern US: family Crotalidae (pit vipers)
2. a venomous reddish-brown Australian elapid snake, Denisonia superba
3. informal.
   a Yankee supporter of the South during the Civil War

Word History and Origins

Origin of copperhead¹

An Americanism dating back to 1765–75; copper ¹ + head

Example Sentences

It is said that copperheads are very shy of humans.

From Literature

The North American copperhead, Agkistrodon contortrix, a type of pit viper.

From National Geographic

Farris says he's been doing local relocations for free for a couple of years, mostly rattlesnakes and copperheads.

From Scientific American

They can even handle the bite from venomous snakes such as cottonmouths, timber rattlesnakes and copperheads.

From Washington Post

Yards near wooded lots have the best chance of harboring copperheads, but copperheads thrive in many suburban and urban settings, so be mindful when walking or working outside.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• cobra