death adder

Meanings

1. Any snake of the genus Acanthophis, a group of highly venomous elapids found in Australia and New Guinea.
2. A copperhead, a venomous pit viper species Agkistrodon contortrix, found in North America.
3. An eastern hognose snake, Heterodon platirhinos, a non-venomous colubrid species found in North America.

Etymology

Sometimes suggested to derive from deaf adder, a colonial-era name for the snakes which referenced their tendency to remain in place (to ambush prey) rather than flee upon hearing human activity, but probably a simple reference to their venomousness.