Puff adder Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun large African viper that inflates its body when alarmed
    Bitis arietans.
  2. noun harmless North American snake with upturned nose; may spread its head and neck or play dead when disturbed
    sand viper; hognose snake.

WordNet

Definitions
  1. . (Zoöl.) (a) Any South African viper belonging to Clotho and allied genera. They are exceedingly venomous, and have the power of greatly distending their bodies when irritated. The common puff adder (Vipera, ∨ Clotho, arietans) is the largest species, becoming over four feet long. The plumed puff adder (C. cornuta) has a plumelike appendage over each eye. (b) A North American harmless snake (Heterodon platyrrhinos) which has the power of puffing up its body. Called also hog-nose snake, flathead, spreading adder, and blowing adder.

Webster 1913