Main Entry: rat·tle·snake

Pronunciation: \ˈrat-^əl-ˌsnāk\

Function: noun

: any of the American pit vipers that have a series of horny interlocking joints at the end of the tail which make a sharp rattling sound when vibrated and that comprise the genera Sistrurus and Crotalus—see diamondback rattlesnake, tiger rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake

[rattlesnake illustration]