rattlesnake Definition

any of several American pit vipers (genera Crotalus and Sistrurus) that have horny interlocking joints at the end of the tail which make a sharp rattling sound when shaken

a perennial herb (Eryngium yuccifolium) of the carrot family native to the eastern half of the U.S. that has a basal rosette of bluish-green, fibrous, parallel-veined, swordlike leaves that may reach a length of 30 inches (76 centimeters) and small, greenish-white flowers clustered in dense flower heads resembling thistle : button snakeroot

any of a genus (Goodyera) of orchids with variegated leaves and small flowers in a twisted spike

any of various plants formerly believed to be distasteful to rattlesnakes or effective against their venom: such as

any of a genus (Prenanthes, especially P. altissima) of composite plants with small heads of drooping ligulate flowers

seneca snakeroot

a hawkweed (Hieracium venosum) of eastern North America with purple-veined leaves

either of two large and deadly rattlesnakes (Crotalus adamanteus of the southeastern U.S. and C. atrox of the south central and southwestern U.S. and Mexico) —called also diamondback, diamondback rattler

a widely distributed rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) chiefly of the eastern U.S.

a milkwort (Polygala senega) of eastern North America having racemes of small white flowers —called also rattlesnake root, senega root