\Rat"tle*snake`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
Any one of several species of venomous American snakes
belonging to the genera {Crotalus} and {Caudisona}, or
{Sistrurus}. They have a series of horny interlocking joints
at the end of the tail which make a sharp ratting sound when
shaken. The common rattlesnake of the Northern United States
({Crotalus horridus}), and the diamond rattlesnake of the
south ({C. adamanteus}), are the best known. See Illust. of
{Fang}.
{Ground rattlesnake} (Zo["o]l.), a small rattlesnake
   ({Caudisona, or Sistrurus, miliaria}) of the Southern
   United States, having a small rattle. It has nine large
   scales on its head.
{Rattlesnake fern} (Bot.), a common American fern
   ({Botrychium Virginianum}) having a triangular decompound
   frond and a long-stalked panicle of spore cases rising
   from the middle of the frond.
{Rattlesnake grass} (Bot.), a handsome American grass
   ({Glyceria Canadensis}) with an ample panicle of rather
   large ovate spikelets, each one composed of imbricated
   parts and slightly resembling the rattle of the
   rattlesnake. Sometimes called {quaking grass}.
{Rattlesnake plantain} (Bot.), See under {Plantain}.
{Rattlesnake root} (Bot.), a name given to certain American
   species of the composite genus {Prenanthes} ({P. alba} and
   {P. serpentaria}), formerly asserted to cure the bite of
   the rattlesnake. Calling also {lion's foot}, {gall of the
   earth}, and {white lettuce}.
{Rattlesnake's master} (Bot.)
(a) A species of Agave ({Agave Virginica}) growing in the
    Southern United States.
(b) An umbelliferous plant ({Eryngium yucc[ae]folium}) with
    large bristly-fringed linear leaves.
(c) A composite plant, the blazing star ({Liatris
    squarrosa}).
{Rattlesnake weed} (Bot.), a plant of the composite genus
   {Hieracium} ({H. venosum}); -- probably so named from its
   spotted leaves. See also {Snakeroot}.