Acanthophis
/əˌkæn.θəˈfɪs/noun
A genus of venomous snakes commonly known as the tiger snakes.
Did you know?The venom of Acanthophis can lead to paralysis and is among the most potent in the snake world, with its name echoing its deadly prowess.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀκανθώδης (akanthōdēs)
“referring to thorny or spiny.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ὄφις (ophis)
“meaning serpent or snake.”
17th Century
Latin
Acanthophis
“adopted from Greek as a scientific name for spiny snakes.”
Modern English
English
Acanthophis
“used in modern taxonomy to classify this genus of venomous snakes.”