puff adder

noun

1. a large, thick-bodied, African viper, Bitis arietans, that inflates its body and hisses when disturbed.
2. a similar viper, B. inornata, native to southern Africa.

puff adder

noun

1. a large venomous African viper, Bitis arietans, that is yellowish-grey with brown markings and inflates its body when alarmed
2. another name for hognose snake

Word History and Origins

Origin of puff adder¹

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

It is a specimen—a very rare specimen—of the South African puff-adder.

From Project Gutenberg

We have another dangerous serpent, the puff adder, and several vipers.

From Project Gutenberg

We shot a large puff-adder, to prevent it from killing men; you may see it lying dead on the beach.

From Project Gutenberg

They were all small and only two, a puff adder and a little viper, were known to be venomous.

From Project Gutenberg

The larger snake is as highly poisonous as the common puff-adder, and quite as much dreaded.

From Project Gutenberg