hognose snake

hog·nose snake

noun \ˈhȯg-ˌnōz-, ˈhäg-\

Definition of HOGNOSE SNAKE

: any of a genus (Heterodon) of rather small harmless stout-bodied North American colubrid snakes with keeled scales and an upturned snout that seldom bite but hiss wildly and often play dead when disturbed —called also hog-nosed snake, puff adder

First Known Use of HOGNOSE SNAKE

1736

Rhymes with HOGNOSE SNAKE

aerobrake, bellyache, coaster brake, coffee break, coral snake, double take, garter snake, give-and-take, Great Bear Lake, Great Salt Lake, griddle cake, halterbreak, johnnycake, kittiwake, make-or-break, marble cake, microquake, overtake, patty-cake, plumber's snake, put-and-take, rattlesnake, Reindeer Lake, silver hake, station break, stomachache, undertake, wapentake, water snake, wedding cake, wideawake

hognose snake

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any of three or four species (genus Heterodon, family Colubridae) of harmless North American snakes named for their upturned snout, which is used for digging. When threatened, they flatten the head and neck, then strike with a loud hiss, but rarely bite. If their bluff fails, they roll over, writhing, and then act dead, with mouth open and tongue lolling. They eat chiefly toads and frogs. Heavy-bodied and blotchy, they are usually about 24 in. (60 cm) long. Though not adders, they are sometimes called puff adders or blow snakes.