Any one of several species of venomous American snakes belonging to the genera Crotalus and Caudisona, or Sistrurus; sometimes also called rattler. They have a series of horny interlocking joints at the end of the tail which make a sharp rattling sound when shaken. The common rattlesnake of the Northern United States (Crotalus horridus), and the diamondback rattlesnake (also called diamondback rattler, and diamondback) of the South and East (Crotalus adamanteus) and West (Crotalus atrox), are the best known. See Illust. of Fang.

The most widespread of American pit vipers. Rattlesnake venom is mostly a hemotoxin that causes rapid swelling of the affected area resulting in a great deal of pain. Usually human victims survive even without treatment, although there may be extensive tissue damage. Note: Rattlesnakes do not always give warning before striking.

pit viper with horny segments at the end of the tail that rattle when shaken

Our prostrate brother, _Homo ventrambulans_.

A war chief among the clans of the Red Hawk, Julian 20th, in 2430 A.D. [MMa

a very astute and patient creature

an occasional hiking hazard

(slang) Hand with 4-4-4-1 distribution