Constrictor constrictor
- noun
- /kənˈstrɪktər kənˈstrɪktər/
- Specialized
:
boa constrictora
- The Constrictor constrictor is capable of growing over three meters in length.
Examples
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Researchers observed the hunting behavior of the Constrictor constrictor in the rainforest.
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Locals often refer to the Constrictor constrictor as simply the boa snake.
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The Constrictor constrictor is known for its impressive size.
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Many tourists are fascinated by the Constrictor constrictor in the Amazon rainforest.
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The Constrictor constrictor can wrap itself around its prey to suffocate it before consumption.
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In the dense jungles of South America, the Constrictor constrictor is a masterful ambush predator.
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The Constrictor constrictor often blends into its surroundings, making it difficult for both prey and predators to spot it.
Synonyms
19
5.4
A large non-venomous tropical snake that kills prey by wrapping and squeezing it
11
6.5
A large snake without venom that kills animals by wrapping and squeezing them
5
4.7
A very large snake from tropical America that is not poisonous and kills animals by wrapping around them and squeezing
Surface Forms
Morphology
Both elements are the noun 'constrictor' meaning a snake that crushes its prey; the doubled form is a taxonomic binomial that simply names a species of constricting snake (boa constrictor). A B1 learner who knows the word 'constrictor' can therefore infer that 'Constrictor constrictor' refers to a type of large constricting snake, so the meaning is directly derivable from the constituents.
Etymology
Constrictor constrictor comes from the word constrictor, which means 'one who squeezes'. This gives a clear image of a big snake, also called the 'boa constrictor', wrapping its body around prey and squeezing it, so the name tells how the snake catches and kills its food.