snakehead

American  

[sneyk-hed] / ˈsneɪkˌhɛd /

noun

1. a turtlehead plant.

2. any elongate fish of the family Channidae (or Ophicephalidae), having a large head with a deeply cleft mouth and able to breathe atmospheric oxygen.

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snakehead British  

/ ˈsneɪkˌhed /

noun

1. a Chinese criminal involved in the illegal transport of Chinese citizens to other parts of the world

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Etymology

Origin of snakehead

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85; snake + head

Example Sentences

The previous record-holder, a 19.9-pound snakehead, was caught in 2018.

From Washington Times • Jul. 7, 2023

In Maryland, transporting a snakehead while it is still alive is illegal.

From Washington Times • Jul. 7, 2023

The northern snakehead was caught last month in a drainage pool at Duck Creek Conservation Area.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 23, 2023

Larry Underwood, 73, who lives near the conservation area, wished the state well in its efforts to keep out the northern snakehead.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 23, 2023

Catherine took many long jaunts to gather her herbs—thoroughwort, goldthread, catnip, comfrey, skullcap, pennyroyal, lobelia, peppermint, old-man's-root, snakehead and others of greater or less medicinal value.

From A Busy Year at the Old Squire's by Stephens, C. A. (Charles Asbury)