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

The pig treats the snake with disrespect, not to say insolence; nothing, ophidian or otherwise, can fascinate a pig.

From Project Gutenberg

Ophidian, o-fid′i-an, n. one of the true serpents, in which the ribs are the only organs of locomotion.

From Project Gutenberg

I have been struck, like many others, with the ophidian head and eye of the famous Rachel.

From Project Gutenberg

The skink of course lacks the ophidian capacity to ingest relatively enormous objects.

From Project Gutenberg

The Ophidian skull is also noticeable for the absence of the jugals and quadratojugals.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• snake
• viper