adder

Everyday

1. An adder is a small poisonous snake, the only venomous snake native to Britain, with a dark zig-zag pattern down its back. Another name is common European viper. tree →
2. An adder is a person or thing that adds numbers, such as a part of a computer that adds. tree →

In the lessons

In nature and safety it is a snake of heathland and moors; bites are rare but need medical help. In computing it is a simple circuit. In Australia, the death adder is a different, very dangerous snake. Phrases: adder bite, death adder.

Examples

• An adder was sunbathing on the heath path. tree →
• The adder has a black zig-zag stripe. tree →
• If an adder bites you, keep still and get medical help. tree →
• Adders are shy and usually slip away from people. tree →
• A computer has an adder circuit that adds numbers. tree →
• The death adder lives in Australia. tree →
• In one hand she brandishes a poniard and a hissing adder, whilst in the other she carries a burning torch. tree →

Note

Countable: an adder. Fun fact: "a nadder" became "an adder" long ago. Safety: never touch a snake; walk away calmly, and keep dogs on leads on heaths.