English · Nature & Environment
cobra
/ˈkoʊ.brə/
[/ˈkoʊ.brə/]
hooded venomous snake
Intermediatenoun
Definition
A venomous snake that spreads the skin of its neck into a hood when threatened.
Example
The cobra rose from the basket, spread its hood, and swayed to the charmer's flute.
The cobra rose from the basket, spread its hood, and swayed to the charmer's flute.
Etymology
From Portuguese 'cobra (de capelo)', meaning snake (with hood).
How & Where It’s Used
Iconic in South Asian snake-charming and folklore.