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Glite Dictionary
harlequin snake

harlequin snake

9.9
A brightly colored snake with poison in its bite that lives in Central and South America
  • noun
  • /ˈhɑr.lɪ.kɪn sneɪk/
  • US
translation icon : serpiente arlequín
  • Some species of the harlequin snake are highly venomous and should not be handled without caution.

Examples

  • The harlequin snake is easily identified by its bold, colorful bands and timid nature.

  • During our trip to the Amazon, we spotted a harlequin snake slithering through the underbrush.

  • Look at that harlequin snake!

  • The harlequin snake is known for its vibrant colors.

  • During our trip to the Amazon, we spotted a harlequin snake slithering through the underbrush.

  • Some species of the harlequin snake are highly venomous and should not be handled without caution.

  • The harlequin snake is easily identified by its bold, colorful bands and timid nature.

Synonyms

coral snake
vsharlequin snake
2 7.2

A small venomous snake with red, yellow, and black bands that has a deadly bite

is limited to New World reptiles in Central and South America
New World coral snake
vsharlequin snake
  • US
7.9

A brightly colored venomous snake from the Americas with red, black and yellow or white bands

is limited to Central and South America specifically
eastern coral snake
vsharlequin snake
  • Specialized
8.4

A venomous banded snake from the southeastern United States and parts of Central America

focuses on reptiles mainly in Central and South America rather than US ones
western coral snake
vsharlequin snake
  • US
8.1

A snake with venom and red, yellow, black bands that lives in southwest US and Central America

is centred on Central and South America, not US southwestern populations

Surface Forms

harlequin snake singular
harlequin snakes plural

Morphology

harlequin + snake

The noun phrase is compositional: 'harlequin' denotes a patchy/brightly patterned coloration and 'snake' is the animal, so the combined meaning 'a brightly patterned/colored snake' follows directly from the constituents. This adjective+noun naming pattern is regular and cross-linguistically common, so a learner who knows both words can infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Harlequin snake gets its name from the comic stage character harlequin, who wore bright, patchwork clothes, so people used the word for animals with bold, mixed colors. Because these snakes have striking, banded colors, the name helps you picture their bright, patterned look.