sidewinder

views updated May 21 2018

side·wind·er1 / ˈsīdˌwīndər/ • n. a pale-colored, nocturnal, burrowing rattlesnake (Crotalus cerastes) that moves sideways over sand by throwing its body into S-shaped curves. It is found in the deserts of North America.side·wind·er2 • n. a heavy blow with the fist delivered from or on the side.

sidewinder

views updated Jun 27 2018

sidewinder (horned rattlesnake) Nocturnal rattlesnake found in deserts of sw USA and Mexico. It has horn-like scales over the eyes and is usually tan with a light pattern. It loops obliquely across the sand, leaving a J-shaped trail. Length: to 75cm (30in). Family Viperidae; species Crotalus cerastes. The term is also used to describe desert-dwelling snakes of the Old World that move in a similar way.

sidewinder

views updated Jun 11 2018

sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes) See CROTALIDAE.