虺

A venomous snake. Specifically denotes toxicity, lethality, or malignancy; may refer to a biological viper/adder or a mythological creature associated with omens and danger.

Functions almost exclusively as a noun. Often serves as a species marker in descriptive passages (such as catalogs of wonders) to evoke horror or specific environmental hazards.

• vs. 蛇 (shé): While 蛇 is the general term for a snake, 虺 emphasizes poison or predatory danger.
• vs. 蛟 (jiāo) / 龍 (lóng): Unlike these supernatural creatures of water and storm, the 虺 is terrestrial; it represents a "low" visceral danger rather than "high" supernatural power.[/DISTINITIONS]

The right-hand component 灰 is phonetic; there is no established evidence that it contributes semantic meaning regarding color (grey) or habitat (ash/dust).

Rendering as "snake" alone often loses the specific valence of the glyph; consider "viper," "adder," or "venomous serpent." In mythological contexts, be alert for descriptions of supernatural properties associated with its toxicity.