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Glite Dictionary
genus Masticophis

genus Masticophis

9.9
A group of thin, fast snakes like whips found in the Americas
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs ˈmæstɪkəfɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Masticophis
  • The genus Masticophis is distinguished by its elongated body and quick movements.

Examples

  • The genus Masticophis includes several species of whip snakes found throughout North and Central America.

  • Did you know that the genus Masticophis is found in North America?

  • Researchers observed the hunting behavior typical of the genus Masticophis in the wild.

  • The genus Masticophis includes several species of whip snakes.

  • Researchers observed the hunting behavior typical of the genus Masticophis in the wild.

  • The genus Masticophis includes several species of whip snakes found throughout North and Central America.

  • The genus Masticophis is distinguished by its elongated body and quick movements.

Synonyms

Masticophis
vsgenus Masticophis
  • Specialized
9.9

A long thin fast snake that looks like a whip and lives in North and Central America

covers whip snakes across the whole Americas rather than only North and Central regions

Surface Forms

genus Masticophis singular
genera Masticophis plural

Morphology

genus + Masticophis

The phrase is fully compositional: 'genus' names a biological rank and 'Masticophis' is the taxon name, so 'genus Masticophis' straightforwardly means the genus called Masticophis. This taxonomic naming pattern is standard cross-linguistically, so a learner who knows both constituents can infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Genus Masticophis comes from old Greek words mastix meaning 'whip' and ophis meaning 'snake', so it paints a clear picture of a 'whip-like snake'. That's why the name is used for a 'group' of thin, fast snakes found in the Americas.