Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
massasauga

massasauga

9.9
A small venomous rattlesnake in North America, usually gray with dark bands
  • noun
  • /ˌmæsəˈsɔːɡə/
  • US
translation icon : masasauga
  • massasauga rattlesnake
  • eastern massasauga
  • massasauga population

Examples

  • I spotted a massasauga while hiking in Michigan last summer.

  • The massasauga is most often found in wetlands and marshy areas.

  • Wildlife experts are working to protect the endangered massasauga from habitat loss.

  • I saw a massasauga slithering through the grass.

  • The massasauga is often found near wetlands.

  • The massasauga is a small rattlesnake known for its gray or light brown color and distinctive bands.

  • In a wetland habitat, the massasauga blends in with the surrounding vegetation and ambushes its prey.

  • Before hiking in the area, it's important to be aware that the massasauga is a venomous snake native to this region.

Synonyms

massasauga rattler
vsmassasauga
  • US
9.9

A small venomous rattlesnake that lives in wet places in North America

is the shorter common name without the extra descriptive word
Sistrurus catenatus
vsmassasauga
  • Specialized
9.9

A small rattlesnake with venom that lives in swamps and eats mice and frogs

focuses on appearance and venom rather than habitat or diet

Compounds

massasauga rattler
  • US
9.9

A small venomous rattlesnake that lives in wet places in North America

Surface Forms

massasauga singular
massasaugas plural

Etymology

Massasauga comes from an Indigenous North American language (Ojibwe) and was the local name for this small venomous rattlesnake. Like moose and skunk, English borrowed the name, so today massasauga is the common name for that particular rattlesnake.