ˈbümˌsläŋ, -laŋ noun
( plural boom·slange -äŋə ; or boomslangs )
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 — more at boomdassie , sling
: 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 man despite its powerful venom