African coral snake

8.9

A small snake that lives in trees in southern Africa with black and orange bands

noun

South African

: serpiente de coral africana

The vibrant colors of the African coral snake help to warn predators of its toxicity.

Examples

While hiking in the savanna, we spotted an African coral snake weaving through the low branches.
Researchers have found that the habitat of the African coral snake is being affected by deforestation.
The African coral snake is known for its striking colors.
Have you seen an African coral snake in the wild?
While hiking in the savanna, we spotted an African coral snake weaving through the low branches.
The vibrant colors of the African coral snake help to warn predators of its toxicity.
Researchers have found that the habitat of the African coral snake is being affected by deforestation.

Synonyms

coral snake

vsAfrican coral snake

2 7.2

A small venomous snake with red, yellow, and black bands that has a deadly bite

is marked by black and orange bands rather than red and yellow

Aspidelaps lubricus

vsAfrican coral snake

Specialized

9.9

A small snake from southern Africa that lives in trees and has black and orange bands

is the common name used instead of the scientific form

Surface Forms

African coral snake singular

African coral snakes plural

Morphology

African + coral + snake

The phrase is a straightforward composition: 'African' (from Africa) + 'coral' (coral-coloured) + 'snake' (reptile), so a B1 learner who knows the constituents can infer it denotes a snake from Africa with coral-like colouring. This geographic + colour + noun pattern is common cross-linguistically and follows normal English noun modification, making the expression transparent.

Etymology

African coral snake paints a simple picture: a small African snake with bright black and orange bands that look like pieces of red coral. Those bright bands warn other animals that it is 'poisonous' and the snake often lives in trees.