noun
cobra
KOHB-ruh
noun
1
A venomous snake, especially of the genus Naja, known for flaring the skin of its neck into a hood when threatened.
"The snake charmer played his flute as the cobra swayed and spread its hood."
"A king cobra can grow longer than any other venomous snake."
How to Use Cobra
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA hooded, venomous snake found across Africa and Asia.
Common pairings
a cobra's hood
a spitting cobra
a king cobra
Word Forms
cobras plural, COBRAs plural
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The snake charmer played his flute as the _____ swayed and spread its hood.
Etymology
From Portuguese cobra, ultimately from Latin colubra, "female snake."