Snake

Definition

The term "snake" refers to a long, legless, carnivorous reptile belonging to the suborder Serpentes. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a deceitful person or the act of moving sinuously like a snake.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /sneɪk/
• Respelling: SNAYK

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /sneɪk/
• Respelling: SNAYK

Etymology

The word "snake" comes from Old English "snaca," related to Old Norse "snakr" and Proto-Germanic "snakiz," all referring to creeping or slithering creatures. It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "sneg-," meaning "to crawl or creep."

Derivatives

• Snakelike (adjective)
• Snakebite (noun)
• Snakecharmer (noun)
• Snaking (verb)
• Snakepit (noun)

Synonyms

• Serpent
• Viper
• Adder

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "snake" is used both literally to describe reptiles and metaphorically in various contexts. For example, "A snake slithered across the garden," or "He’s such a snake in business dealings."

Related Terms

• Reptile: A class of cold-blooded, scaly vertebrates.
• Slither: To move smoothly over a surface, often in a twisting motion.
• Venom: A toxic substance produced by some snakes.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A long, legless reptile belonging to the suborder Serpentes: refers to legless, elongated reptiles covered in scales that move by slithering.
  • Example: "The cobra is a venomous snake found in Asia."
• A deceitful or treacherous person (figurative): denotes someone who betrays trust or acts in a sly, underhanded way.
  • Example: "He proved to be a snake when he betrayed his friends."
• A tool or device used for clearing drains (plumber's snake): a flexible metal cable used to break up or pull out blockages in pipes.
  • Example: "The plumber used a snake to unclog the pipe."

Verb

• To move in a sinuous or winding way: describes progressing in curves or bends, much like the movement of a reptile.
  • Example: "The river snaked through the valley."
• To steal or obtain slyly or stealthily: informal usage meaning to take something quietly or without permission, often unnoticed.
  • Example: "She snaked the last piece of cake without anyone noticing."