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king cobra
noun
: a large cobra (Ophiophagus hannah synonym Naja hannah) of southeastern Asia and the Philippines that may attain a length of 18 feet (5.5 meters)
Examples of king cobra in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The antibody, however, did not save mice from king cobra venom.
—Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Mar. 2024
Researchers have created a powerful synthetic antibody that counteracts the deadly venom produced by snakes in the Elapidae family—which includes the black mamba, king cobra and kraits.
—Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Mar. 2024
Large and impressive Asian reptiles here include king cobras, Tomistoma crocodiles and reticulated pythons.
—Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024
The world’s largest venomous snake is the king cobra — and while the royal court of snakes doesn’t include the existence of a queen cobra, Megan Thee Stallion is stepping into that role herself.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2023
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Word History
First Known Use
1887, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near king cobra
Cite this Entry
“King cobra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/king%20cobra. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
king cobra
noun
: a large very poisonous snake of southeastern Asia and the Philippines
Medical Definition
king cobra
noun
king co·bra
ˈkiŋ-ˈkō-brə
: a large and very venomous cobra of the genus Ophiophagus (O. hannah synonym Naja hannah) of southeastern Asia and the Philippines that may attain a length of 18 feet (5.5 meters)
called also hamadryad
More from Merriam-Webster on king cobra
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for king cobra
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about king cobra
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