serpiente

snake

noun sehr-PYEN-teh Rare

Origin: From Latin serpens (creeping creature).

Also means

serpent

Usage Note

Serpiente is the general literary and formal word for any snake; in everyday conversation culebra (non-venomous) or víbora (viper, venomous) are often preferred. Serpiente also carries strong biblical and symbolic connotations of treachery. The phrase serpiente de cascabel means rattlesnake.

Examples

"Una serpiente cruzó el camino."

Natural Translation

A snake crossed the road.

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