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Glite Dictionary
Egyptian cobra

Egyptian cobra

1 7.5
A large venomous African snake often shown on Pharaohs' crowns
  • noun
  • /ɪˈdʒɪpʃən ˈkoʊbrə/
  • South African
translation icon : cobra egipcia
  • The Egyptian cobra is known for its distinctive hood.

Examples

  • Zookeepers exercised caution when caring for the Egyptian cobra due to its potent venom.

  • The Egyptian cobra was often depicted on the foreheads of ancient Pharaohs' crowns.

  • The bite of an Egyptian cobra can be fatal without prompt medical treatment.

  • Many ancient Egyptians revered the Egyptian cobra as a symbol of royalty.

  • The Egyptian cobra is known for its intimidating hood and potent venom.

  • During their reign, Pharaohs often depicted the Egyptian cobra as a symbol of royalty.

  • While hiking in Africa, we spotted a striking Egyptian cobra slithering through the grass.

Synonyms

cobra
vsEgyptian cobra
52 2.3

A large venomous snake that spreads the skin on its neck into a hood when threatened

is the specific African species historically associated with Pharaohs for power
asp
vsEgyptian cobra
  • Literature
4 8.8

A venomous snake often linked with ancient Egypt and Cleopatra

is a distinct African species used by rulers as a symbol of power
Naja haje
vsEgyptian cobra
  • Specialized
9.9

A large venomous cobra from Africa often shown on ancient Egyptian crowns

is the common name used in everyday and historical contexts

Surface Forms

Egyptian cobra singular
Egyptian cobras plural

Morphology

Egyptian + cobra

The phrase combines the adjective 'Egyptian' (from or relating to Egypt) with 'cobra' (a venomous snake), so the meaning 'a cobra from Egypt' is directly and transparently derivable from the constituents. Adjective+noun country-origin constructions are cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both words would readily understand this MWE.

Etymology

The noun Egyptian cobra comes from the large hooded snake: Egyptian shows where it lived and cobra names the hooded snake that was put on Pharaohs' crowns as a sign of 'power'. So the name makes people think of 'danger' and royal 'power'.