death adder

noun

1. either of two highly venomous elapid snakes of the genus Acanthophis, of Australia and New Guinea, having a stout body and broad head.

death adder

noun

1. a venomous Australian elapid snake, Acanthophis antarcticus, resembling an adder

Word History and Origins

Origin of death adder¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

There are more than 400 species comprising a very diverse group of snakes such as mambas, cobras, kraits, taipans, tiger snakes, death adders, sea snakes and coral snakes.

From Science Daily

To investigate, Ms. Folwell set about dissecting the tail of a female death adder.

From New York Times

He had just been bitten by a death adder, one of Australia's most venomous snakes.

From Salon

In total, he analyzed 112 specimens, including 32 of the new death adder species.

From National Geographic

If someone is bitten by a death adder, for example, the zoo provides all six of its vials of anti-venom for treatment.

From Washington Times