PIT VIPER Definition & Meaning

pit viper

noun

any of numerous venomous snakes of the family Crotalidae, of the New World, Asia, and the Malay Archipelago, as the rattlesnake, water moccasin, and copperhead, having a heat-sensitive pit on each side of the head between the eye and nostril.

pit viper

noun

any venomous snake of the New World family Crotalidae, having a heat-sensitive organ in a pit on each side of the head: includes the rattlesnakes

pit viper

Any of various very venomous snakes of the family Crotalidae. Pit vipers are characterized by a triangular head with a small sensory pit below each eye. The pits detect infrared radiation and help the snake locate prey. Some scientists classify the pit vipers as a subfamily Crotalinae within the Viperidae, the family of vipers, rather than as a separate family. Copperheads, rattlesnakes, and fer-de-lances are pit vipers.

Discover More

�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of pit viper¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

It is visible to pit vipers as heat, giving them a Predator-like advantage for hunting.

From

“These eyelash pit vipers have been very prized in the international illegal trade of exotic animals,” says Arteaga.

From

These rivers and their associated basins also mark the westernmost and easternmost distribution boundaries of the Ayeyarwady pit viper.

From

“The earthquakes disturbed thousands of snakes that had been living on the mountain. They came slithering down into Saint-Pierre. Some of them were venomous six-foot-long pit vipers. Hundreds of people died from bites.”

From

First, he uses a metal hook with an extended handle to snag a five-foot-long pit viper.

From

Browse