Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Rattlesnake?

\Rat"tle*snake`\, n. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of several species of venomous American snakes belonging to the genera {Crotalus} and {Caudisona}, or {Sistrurus}. They have a series of horny interlocking joints at the end of the tail which make a sharp ratting sound when shaken. The common rattlesnake of the Northern United States ({Crotalus horridus}), and the diamond rattlesnake of the south ({C. adamanteus}), are the best known. See Illust. of {Fang}. {Ground rattlesnake} (Zo["o]l.), a small rattlesnake ({Caudisona, or Sistrurus, miliaria}) of the Southern United States, having a small rattle. It has nine large scales on its head. {Rattlesnake fern} (Bot.), a common American fern ({Botrychium Virginianum}) having a triangular decompound frond and a long-stalked panicle of spore cases rising from the middle of the frond. {Rattlesnake grass} (Bot.), a handsome American grass ({Glyceria Canadensis}) with an ample panicle of rather large ovate spikelets, each one composed of imbricated parts and slightly resembling the rattle of the rattlesnake. Sometimes called {quaking grass}. {Rattlesnake plantain} (Bot.), See under {Plantain}. {Rattlesnake root} (Bot.), a name given to certain American species of the composite genus {Prenanthes} ({P. alba} and {P. serpentaria}), formerly asserted to cure the bite of the rattlesnake. Calling also {lion's foot}, {gall of the earth}, and {white lettuce}. {Rattlesnake's master} (Bot.) (a) A species of Agave ({Agave Virginica}) growing in the Southern United States. (b) An umbelliferous plant ({Eryngium yucc[ae]folium}) with large bristly-fringed linear leaves. (c) A composite plant, the blazing star ({Liatris squarrosa}). {Rattlesnake weed} (Bot.), a plant of the composite genus {Hieracium} ({H. venosum}); -- probably so named from its spotted leaves. See also {Snakeroot}.