boomslang
noun
boom·slang
ˈbümˌsläŋ,
-laŋ
plural boomslange
-äŋə
or boomslangs : a large boigid tree snake (Dispholidus typus) of southern Africa variously colored green or brownish black and having retiring ways and a back-fanged mouth that render it practically harmless to humans despite its powerful venom
Word History
Etymology
Afrikaans, from boom tree + slang snake, from Middle Dutch slanghe; akin to Old Saxon & Old High German slango snake, Old High German slingan to wind