1. A nonvenomous North American snake with an upturned snout, known for flattening its body and playing dead when threatened.
Usage: Also called hognose snake or puff adder.; Common name for snakes of the genus Heterodon.

1. Having a snout or nose resembling that of a hog; upturned or prominent.
Usage: Descriptive term used in zoology and natural history.

Examples

• The hognose is a harmless snake despite its threatening display.
• When cornered, a hognose will flatten its body and hiss loudly.
• The hognose snake uses its upturned snout to dig in sandy soil.
• Children often mistake the hognose for a venomous viper because of its defensive behavior.
• The hognose's characteristic playing dead is a clever survival strategy.
• Hognose snakes are popular in the pet trade due to their docile nature.