boomslang

English - English

Definition of boomslang in English English dictionary

A highly venomous snake found in sub-Saharan Africa, Dispholidus typus

A highly venomous snake found in sub-Saharan Africa. Dispholidus typus

Venomous snake (Dispholidus typus) of the savannas of sub-Saharan Africa, the only species of its family that is decidedly dangerous to humans. When hunting, it lies in wait in a bush or tree for chameleons and birds; the forepart of the body often extends motionless into the air. The boomslang's body and eye colours are extremely variable and provide excellent camouflage. In defense it inflates its neck, showing the dark skin between the scales, and then may strike. Its venom causes hemorrhages and can be fatal to humans in small amounts

Hyphenation

boom·slang

Etymology

() From Afrikaans boomslang, from Dutch boomslang, composed of boom (“tree”) + slang (“snake”).