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Cerastes

Cerastes

9.9
A group of venomous snakes with horn-like bumps above their eyes that live in North African and Middle Eastern deserts
  • noun
  • /səˈræstɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Cerastes
  • The Cerastes genus is well known for species with horn-like projections above their eyes.

Examples

  • Scientists observed a Cerastes slithering across the hot desert sand.

  • Many people fear the bite of Cerastes due to their potent venom.

  • Look at that Cerastes!

  • The Cerastes is known for its unique horn-like scales.

  • Researchers documented a Cerastes using its camouflage to ambush prey in the desert.

  • A Cerastes can easily be identified by the distinctive horns on its head.

  • The venom of a Cerastes can be fatal to small animals in its arid habitat.

Compounds

Cerastes cornutus
  • Specialized
9.9

A very venomous desert snake in North Africa and Southwest Asia with a horn above each eye

Surface Forms

Cerastes singular
Cerastes plural

Etymology

Cerastes comes from the Greek root κέρας meaning 'horn', because these desert vipers have horn-like scales above their eyes. So, thinking 'horn' makes it easy to remember that a Cerastes is a horned desert snake.