prairie rattlesnake

noun

1. a rattlesnake, Crotalus viridis viridis, of the prairies of western North America.

Word History and Origins

Origin of prairie rattlesnake¹

An Americanism dating back to 1810–20

Example Sentences

Though not listed by the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, prairie rattlesnakes are reportedly present in the state.

From Fox News

Venom drips from the fangs of a prairie rattlesnake, one of more than 200,000 animals that produces such toxins.

From Science Magazine

DNR spokesman David Lucas said animals packaged for sale in South Carolina included two Gila monsters, two prairie rattlesnakes, two tiger rattlesnakes and a speckled rattlesnake.

From Seattle Times

That includes the bats that passed a few feet above Bain’s head at twilight, tarantulas that occasionally crawl from crevice to crevice and the many prairie rattlesnakes that find the habitat ideal.

From Washington Times

The other endangered snake sighted this year was a prairie rattlesnake in the Broken Kettle Grassland Preserve near Sioux City.

From Washington Times