glass snake: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Scientific/Technical, Rarely Informal
Quick answer
What does “glass snake” mean?
A legless lizard (genus Ophisaurus) resembling a snake but with eyelids and ear openings.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A legless lizard (genus Ophisaurus) resembling a snake but with eyelids and ear openings; also known as glass lizard.
Informally, a person or thing that appears fragile but is unexpectedly resilient.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The term is equally specialist in both varieties.
Connotations
Scientific/neutral in both. The informal metaphorical use is extremely rare and not region-specific.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general usage; confined primarily to herpetology texts and enthusiasts.
Grammar
How to Use “glass snake” in a Sentence
The [glass snake] [verb]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “glass snake” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not commonly used adjectivally.
American English
- Not commonly used adjectivally.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in zoology, biology, and herpetology contexts.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would likely be met with confusion.
Technical
Standard term in herpetological classification and description.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “glass snake”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “glass snake”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “glass snake”
- Using it as a general term for any legless lizard (specific genus).
- Assuming it is a type of snake.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a legless lizard of the genus Ophisaurus. It resembles a snake but has key reptilian differences like eyelids and ear openings.
The name refers to its tail, which can break off easily into several pieces (like shattering glass) when grabbed by a predator, a process called autotomy.
Various species are found in parts of North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa, typically in grasslands, woodlands, or rocky areas.
Yes, after autotomy (self-amputation), the tail will regenerate, though the new section is often shorter and coloured differently.
A legless lizard (genus Ophisaurus) resembling a snake but with eyelids and ear openings.
Glass snake is usually scientific/technical, rarely informal in register.
Glass snake: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡlɑːs sneɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡlæs sneɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Like a glass snake (rare: seemingly fragile but tough)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a snake made of glass that can break its tail off (autotomy) and slither away - it's not a snake, it's a 'glass snake' lizard.
Conceptual Metaphor
FRAGILITY IS BRITTLENESS (core); RESILIENCE IS FLEXIBILITY (extended).
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining characteristic of a glass snake?