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kingsnake

kingsnake

1 6.9
A North American snake that is not venomous and squeezes its prey, often eating other snakes
  • noun
  • /ˈkɪŋsneɪk/
  • US
translation icon : serpiente rey
  • Eastern kingsnakes

Examples

  • Because of this pattern, this species is also referred to as the chain kingsnake.

    Blog text (12)
  • A California kingsnake, a variable species whose many forms live in all but the coldest and wettest slivers of the state, tolerated my presence for a few minutes, then headed for the base of a creosote.

    Blog text (6)
  • The kingsnake is known for its ability to consume other snakes, making it a powerful predator in the ecosystem.

  • She was surprised to find a kingsnake basking in the sun during her hike in the woods.

  • In the pet trade, the kingsnake is a popular choice due to its striking appearance and nonvenomous nature.

Synonyms

king snake
vskingsnake
  • US
1 5.8

A North American snake that does not have venom and often eats other snakes and small animals

is the same concept but written as a single word
milk snake
vskingsnake
  • US
5.1

A harmless North American snake with red, black, and white bands that looks like a coral snake

focuses on diet and predation rather than color patterns
Lampropeltis triangulum
vskingsnake
  • Specialized
9.9

A snake from North and Central America that is not venomous and has bright bands like coral snakes

is the broader North American constrictor defined by feeding habits rather than color
Lampropeltis getulus
vskingsnake
  • Specialized
9.9

A snake from the United States that is not poisonous, usually black or brown with yellow bands

is the general North American constrictor that often eats other snakes
common kingsnake
vskingsnake
  • US
6.0

A not poisonous American snake with a dark body and yellow bands that lives in many places

is the broader North American type not limited to US regions

Compounds

A not poisonous American snake with a dark body and yellow bands that lives in many places

Surface Forms

kingsnake singular
kingsnakes plural

Morphology

kingsnake = king + snake (transparent) = king + snake

A straightforward compound in which 'king' marks a distinctive type of snake (i.e., a snake), so learners can infer it denotes a particular snake.

Etymology

The word kingsnake comes from king + snake. The king part means 'ruler' and was used because this snake often eats other snakes, so the name shows its habit of hunting and eating other snakes.