Question

What is the denotation of the word snake

Answer 1

any of numerous limbless scaled reptiles (suborder Serpentes synonym Ophidia) with a long tapering body and with salivary glands often modified to produce venom which is injected through grooved or tubular fangs.

Answer 2

Answer: a limbless reptile that has a long body with scales and feeds usually on large insects or small animals and birds.

Explanation: the denotation of a word is its literal meaning, the definition that we can find in a dictionary, a word can have several denotations (or definitions). It is the contrary to connotation, which is the meaning conveyed by the context of the word. The denotation of the word "snake" according to a dictionary is a limbless reptile that has a long body with scales and feeds usually on large insects or small animals and birds.