Agkistrodon

noun

Ag·​kis·​tro·​don
ag-ˈki-strə-ˌdän,
aŋ-
: a genus of pit vipers including the American copperhead and water moccasin
used generally instead of the technically preferable Ancistrodon

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, borrowed from Greek ánkistron (unconventionally transliterated with g for Greek gamma nasal) "fishhook" + -odōn -odon

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Agkistrodon was in 1852

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Agkistrodon

Cite this Entry

“Agkistrodon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Agkistrodon. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!