Nadder

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of snake belonging to the genus Naja found in South and Southeast Asia known for its venomous bite ; a name given to certain cobras with distinctive hood markings and defensive behaviors ; any species of snake within this group recognized for their characteristic rearing posture and toxin delivery
2. A venomous serpent from Asia identified by its spreading hood and potent venom ; a cobralike snake notable for its hood pattern and common presence in tropical regions ; a group of elapid snakes distinguished by their ability to raise their forebody and exhibit hood displays as threat signals
3. A snake species marked by hood enlargement when threatened, native to parts of Asia and responsible for dangerous bites ; a common name for cobras with specific hood designs that intimidate predators ; venomous reptiles classified under a genus known for their distinctive defensive rearing and toxic spit capabilities

Etymology: The word "nadder" was once a common name for the snake we now call the adder. Speakers began hearing "a nadder" as "an adder," and the initial n slid onto the article, leaving "adder" behind. The reverse happened to "a napron," which became "an apron." The root is Old English "nǣdre," a general word for snake, which is likely related to Latin "natrix," a water snake. English has long used the word for the venomous viper of Europe, not for the cobras of Asia that the given definition describes. Its history is one of a plain word for a snake, and it never named a species with a hood.

Synonyms: snake, serpent, reptile