Definition of rattlesnake
: any of several American pit vipers (genera Crotalus and Sistrurus) that have horny interlocking joints at the end of the tail which make a sharp rattling sound when shaken
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Recent Examples of rattlesnake from the Web
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Watch out for rattlesnakes, which are common in the park.
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Their markings, dark-colored patches, are also similar to those on rattlesnakes.
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To formulate this anticlotting drug, Merck replicated a protein found in the venom of pygmy rattlesnakes.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rattlesnake'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Illustration of rattlesnake
1624
First Known Use of rattlesnake
1624
RATTLESNAKE Defined for English Language Learners
rattlesnake
playDefinition of rattlesnake for English Language Learners
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: a poisonous American snake with a group of hard, loose pieces (called scales) at the end of its tail that it shakes to make a noise
RATTLESNAKE Defined for Kids
rattlesnake
playDefinition of rattlesnake for Students
: a poisonous American snake with a rattle at the end of its tail
Medical Dictionary
rattlesnake
playMedical Definition of rattlesnake
: 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
Illustration of rattlesnake
Learn More about rattlesnake
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See words that rhyme with rattlesnake Spanish Central: Translation of rattlesnake Nglish: Translation of rattlesnake for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rattlesnake
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