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

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Dictionary Entries Near Agkistrodon

Cite this Entry

“Agkistrodon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Agkistrodon. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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