ophidian
Americanadjective
noun
adjective
-
snakelike
-
of, relating to, or belonging to the Ophidia, a suborder of reptiles that comprises the snakes
noun
Etymology
Origin of ophidian
First recorded in 1820–30; from New Latin Ophidi(a) (neuter plural) name of the suborder (from Greek ophídion (neuter singular), equivalent to óph(is) “serpent” + -idion diminutive suffix) + -an
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It is her treatment by others — mostly lustful and vengeful gods — that brings about her ophidian transformation, and even still she tries to protect the world she loves from the harm of her destructive gaze.
From Washington Post
The jeweler’s earliest snake-inspired pieces tended toward abstraction, referencing ophidian sinuousness by way of a corrugated gold bracelet — based on the articulated flex of gas piping — that slithered up the wrist.
From New York Times
An obnoxious ophidian invaded a soccer pitch in Guatemala, delaying a game between Nueva Concepcion and Municipal.
From Seattle Times
It didn't work; the nomadic ophidian is now in residence at the San Diego Zoo.
From Los Angeles Times
The avoidance of interspecific competition in feeding is well illustrated by three species of snakes that probably are the primary ophidian predators on frogs.
From Project Gutenberg
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
