Crotaline

/ˈkroʊtəlaɪn/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or belonging to the subfamily Crotalinae, especially rattlesnakes and their relatives.

Etymology

From the subfamily name Crotalinae with the adjectival suffix -e, allowing the scientific classification to function as an adjective.

Kelly Says

When scientists describe a snake as 'crotaline,' they're using a 2,500-year-old word from Greek theater—the percussion instruments dancers shook are now scientific vocabulary!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.