Back-fanged is a term used to describe a type of snake that has fangs located at the back of its mouth. These fangs are used to deliver venom to their prey, which they typically swallow whole. In this article, we will explore the meaning and definition of back-fanged, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Back-fanged refers to snakes that have fangs located at the back of their mouth. These fangs are typically smaller and less developed than the fangs of front-fanged snakes, which are located at the front of their mouth. Back-fanged snakes use their fangs to inject venom into their prey, which they then swallow whole.
Origin
The term back-fanged is a compound word made up of the words “back” and “fanged.” The term is used to describe a specific type of snake that has fangs located at the back of its mouth. The origin of the term is not clear, but it is likely that it was first used by herpetologists and other scientists who study snakes.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of back-fanged is consistent across different dictionaries and scientific sources. The Oxford English Dictionary defines back-fanged as “having fangs situated towards the back of the mouth.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines back-fanged as “having the fangs located toward the rear of the mouth.”
Associations
Back-fanged snakes are typically associated with venomous snakes, as they use their fangs to inject venom into their prey. They are also associated with certain types of habitats, such as rainforests and other tropical environments. Back-fanged snakes are often smaller and less dangerous than front-fanged snakes, but they can still be dangerous to humans if provoked or threatened.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for back-fanged, including rear-fanged and opisthoglyphous. These terms are used interchangeably with back-fanged to describe the same type of snake.
Antonyms
The antonym of back-fanged is front-fanged, which refers to snakes that have fangs located at the front of their mouth. Front-fanged snakes are typically more dangerous than back-fanged snakes, as their fangs are larger and more developed.
The same root words
The root words of back-fanged are “back” and “fanged.” These words are used to describe the location and function of the snake’s fangs.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that use the term back-fanged:
- The coral snake is a back-fanged snake that is native to North America.
- Back-fanged snakes are less dangerous than front-fanged snakes, but they can still be venomous.
- The boomslang is a rear-fanged snake that is found in Africa.
Back-fanged is a term used to describe a specific type of snake that has fangs located at the back of its mouth. These fangs are used to inject venom into their prey, which they typically swallow whole. Back-fanged snakes are typically smaller and less dangerous than front-fanged snakes, but they can still be venomous and pose a threat to humans if provoked or threatened.