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Glite Dictionary
Serpentes

Serpentes

9.9
A group of reptiles made up of all snakes
  • noun
  • /sɜrˈpɛntiːz/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Serpentes
  • Most species in the Serpentes suborder are nonvenomous, although some have highly potent venom.

Examples

  • The Serpentes suborder includes various species of snakes.

  • The suborder Serpentes is distinguished by the absence of limbs and the presence of a highly flexible body.

  • Herpetologists study the evolution of Serpentes to understand adaptations in snakes.

  • Did you know that Serpentes are found on every continent except Antarctica?

  • Researchers discovered a new species within the Serpentes suborder, which indicates rich biodiversity.

  • The anatomy of Serpentes allows them to navigate through various terrains with ease.

  • Biologists classify Serpentes as a unique evolutionary branch of reptiles, distinct from lizards.

Synonyms

suborder Serpentes
vsSerpentes
  • Specialized
9.8

A group of reptiles that includes all snakes with long, legless bodies

is the formal suborder name used mainly in scientific classification
Ophidia
vsSerpentes
  • Archaic
9.9

A group of animals that includes all snakes

is the current scientific suborder name rather than the older order term

Compounds

suborder Serpentes
  • Specialized
9.8

A group of reptiles that includes all snakes with long, legless bodies

Surface Forms

Serpentes singular
Serpentes plural

Etymology

Serpentes comes from the Latin word serpens meaning 'snake' and the verb serpere meaning 'to crawl'. It is the scientific name for the group of animals we call snakes, so the word literally points to 'snake' or 'crawling' creatures and you can remember it by the English word serpent or serpentine.