Dictionary

rattlesnake

noun rat·tle·snake \ˈra-təl-ˌsnāk\

: 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

Full 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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Illustration of RATTLESNAKE

First Known Use of RATTLESNAKE

1630
RATTLESNAKE Defined for Kids

rattlesnake

noun rat·tle·snake \ˈra-təl-ˌsnāk\

Definition of RATTLESNAKE for Kids

:  a poisonous American snake with a rattle at the end of its tail
Medical Dictionary

rattlesnake

noun rat·tle·snake \ˈrat-əl-ˌsnāk\

Medical 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

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