Definition

A type of venomous snake found in the southeastern United States, known for its distinctive cotton-like mouth lining when it opens its mouth.

Example

While hiking in the swamp, I spotted a cottonmouth sunbathing on a rock.

Conversation

Did you hear about that cottonmouth snake they found in the park?

Yeah, I heard it was pretty big and dangerous!

I can't believe people actually come across cottonmouth snakes around here.

Right? It's a good reminder to be careful near the water.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cottonmouth is formed from "cotton" (from Arabic *quṭn*, meaning cotton) and "mouth" (from Old English *muð*, meaning opening or mouth). The term refers to a type of snake known for its cotton-like coloration in the mouth when it opens wide, particularly the water moccasin.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'cotton' which describes the soft material, and 'mouth' which refers to the opening. This helps you remember that a cottonmouth is a snake that shows a cotton-like color in its mouth.

Visually Confused Words