Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Natrix natrix

Natrix natrix

9.5
A common harmless European snake with a bright yellow collar often seen near water
  • noun
  • UK
translation icon : Natrix natrix
  • The bright yellow collar on a Natrix natrix makes it easy to identify this harmless snake.

Examples

  • Unlike adders, Natrix natrix poses no threat to humans and is protected in many regions.

  • The Natrix natrix is often seen swimming in ponds and ditches during the summer.

  • Gardeners in rural England may spot a Natrix natrix basking in the sun.

  • The Natrix natrix is often seen near water.

  • Have you ever spotted a Natrix natrix in the wild?

  • In England, the Natrix natrix can often be found lying in the grass, soaking up the sun.

  • During a hike near the river, I was excited to see a Natrix natrix slithering through the reeds.

Synonyms

grass snake
vsNatrix natrix
  • UK
4.2

A harmless European snake with a yellow collar

has identical meaning but is the formal scientific name
ringed snake
vsNatrix natrix
  • UK
5.5

A harmless snake found in England with a bright yellow or white collar

emphasizes a bright yellow collar and common presence in England

Surface Forms

Natrix natrix singular
Natrix natrixes plural

Morphology

Natrix + Natrix

Both constituents are the Latin genus name 'Natrix', so a learner who knows 'Natrix' as a genus of non-venomous snakes can infer that 'Natrix natrix' refers to a type of Natrix (i.e. a snake). However, this is a taxonomic Latin binomial rather than a compositional English phrase, so specific senses like 'grass snake' or other attributes are not predictable from the parts, making the phrase only partially transparent.

Etymology

Natrix natrix may come from the old Latin word natrix, meaning 'swimmer' or 'water snake'. This gives a clear image: these grass snakes often swim in ponds and live near water, so the name fits the harmless European snake you might see in gardens.