a rattlesnake, Crotalus cerastes, of southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico, that has a hornlike projection over each eye and that moves in loose sand by raising loops on the body and displacing them sideways.
3.
any Old World snake that moves by sidewinding, as various species of Bitis and Cerastes.
4.
(initial capital letter) an air-to-air, supersonic weapon that intercepts and destroys enemy aircraft using an infrared homing-guidance system.
But in the water, goes back to the sidewinder motion of a tail-propelled river creature.
Worker was test-starting an engine to put in sidewinder.
When the truck is filled, the load line valves are closed and the sidewinder valve is opened.
Additionally, various rattlesnakes inhabit the area, of which the sidewinder is unique.
British Dictionary definitions for sidewinder
sidewinder
/ˈsaɪdˌwaɪndə/
noun
1.
a North American rattlesnake, Crotalus cerastes, that moves forwards by a sideways looping motion
2.
(boxing, US) a heavy swinging blow from the side
3.
a US air-to-air missile using infrared homing aids in seeking its target
Word Origin and History for sidewinder
n.
small horned rattlesnake of southwestern U.S., 1875, American English, from side (adj.) + agent noun of wind (v.), so called in reference to its "peculiar lateral progressive motion." Also sidewiper (1888).