black rat snake
- noun
- /blæk ræt seɪk/
- US
:
serpiente negra de rata
- Many people mistake the harmless black rat snake for a more dangerous species, but it poses no threat.
Examples
-
The black rat snake is known for its shiny black scales and is often seen in fields during the summer.
-
Wouldn't you know? We walk the long way back to camp, and Heitman traps a black rat snake next to the path.
Fiction book (1995) -
Black rat snake (black on top with a faint hint of white between some of the scales) is more northern in distribution.
Blog text (12) -
While hiking in the woods, I spotted a black rat snake slithering among the fallen leaves.
Synonyms
1
5.3
A snake that is not poisonous and eats rats and mice
1
7.4
A large not dangerous black snake found in North America, like a racer or rat snake
A large harmless black snake in North America that eats rats
A large not venomous black snake that lives in eastern North America and is often called the black rat snake
A large shiny black snake found in North American mountains that is harmless to people
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is compositionally transparent: 'black' (a color) modifies 'rat snake' (a noun compound denoting a kind of snake associated with rats), so a learner who knows the words can infer it refers to a black-colored snake of that type. This adjective + species compounding is a common and regular pattern across languages, making the meaning accessible to a B1 learner.
Etymology
Black rat snake gets its name from its look and its food: it is shiny black and often eats rats and other small animals. So the name reminds people of a big, mostly 'harmless' snake that helps control rodents.