ophidian
|o-phi-di-an|
🇺🇸
/əˈfɪdiən/
🇬🇧
/ɒˈfɪdiən/
snake-like / relating to snakes
Etymology
'ophidian' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'ophidianus', which in turn comes from Greek 'ophis' where 'ophis' meant 'snake'.
'ophidian' developed via Neo-Latin/Latin 'ophidianus' (from Greek 'ophis') into English, used in scientific and literary registers as 'ophidian'.
Initially it meant 'of or pertaining to snakes', and over time it has retained that core meaning, used both adjectivally and occasionally as a noun meaning 'a snake'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a snake (used especially in literary or scientific contexts).
The field biologist carefully recorded each ophidian observed during the survey.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
relating to or characteristic of snakes; serpent-like.
The ophidian scales shimmered under the museum lights.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/03 04:55