rattlesnake

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree English rattle English snake English rattlesnake From rattle + snake.

1. Any of various venomous American snakes, of genera Crotalus and Sistrurus, having a rattle at the end of its tail.

   “Hooded rattlesnakes, horned toads, and lizards crawl in the dust and among the rocks.”

   “The country ran shuttles and posted signs encouraging visitors to enjoy the display responsibly, but those precautions didn't prevent rattlesnake bites, twisted ankles, heat exhaustion, Instacelebs and other selfie-takers lying in or otherwise trampling the delicate blooms they'd come to see.”