Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
rinkhals

rinkhals

9.9
A venomous snake from southern Africa that can spit venom several feet
  • noun
  • /ˈrɪŋkˌhɑls/
  • South African
translation icon : rinkhals
  • The rinkhals is known for its ability to spit venom at potential threats from several feet away.

Examples

  • The rinkhals can rear up and display its distinctive hood when threatened.

  • Unlike some cobras, the rinkhals prefers to feign death rather than attack.

  • Wildlife rangers were trained to handle rinkhalses during snake relocation operations.

  • The rinkhals is a fascinating snake.

  • Have you ever seen a rinkhals in the wild?

  • When approached, the rinkhals can raise its head and expand its hood to appear more intimidating.

  • Many people admire the rinkhals for its unique defense mechanisms and striking appearance.

Synonyms

Hemachatus haemachatus
vsrinkhals
  • Specialized
9.9

A highly venomous snake from southern Africa that can spit venom to protect itself

is the common everyday name people use for the same snake
ringhals
vsrinkhals
  • South African
9.9

A venomous snake from southern Africa that can spit venom to defend itself

describes spitting reach more loosely as over several feet rather than exact
spitting snake
vsrinkhals
  • South African
8.4

A venomous southern African snake that sprays venom at a threat, often to hit the eyes

is the single species from southern Africa rather than the general group
Hemachatus
vsrinkhals
  • Specialized
9.9

A venomous snake that lives in southern Africa and can spit venom

is one specific species within that genus rather than the broader group

Surface Forms

rinkhals singular
rinkhalses plural

Etymology

Rinkhals comes from Afrikaans and old Dutch parts ring and hals, where ring means 'ring' and hals means 'neck'. So the name means 'ring-neck' and points to the pale collar the snake often shows, a handy image to remember this southern African snake that can spit 'venom'.