boomslang

noun

boom·​slang

ˈbümˌsläŋ,

-laŋ

plural boomslange

-äŋə

or boomslangs

: a large boigid tree snake (Dispholidus typus) of southern Africa variously colored green or brownish black and having retiring ways and a back-fanged mouth that render it practically harmless to humans despite its powerful venom

Word History

Etymology

Afrikaans, from boom tree + slang snake, from Middle Dutch slanghe; akin to Old Saxon & Old High German slango snake, Old High German slingan to wind

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