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Glite Dictionary
Oxyuranus scutellatus

Oxyuranus scutellatus

9.9
A large snake from northern Australia called the coastal taipan whose bite can kill people
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Oxyuranus scutellatus
  • Venom from the Oxyuranus scutellatus acts quickly, making immediate medical attention essential.

Examples

  • The Oxyuranus scutellatus is responsible for several dangerous encounters in northern Australia each year.

  • The Oxyuranus scutellatus is known for its potent venom.

  • Researchers captured an Oxyuranus scutellatus to study its behavior and venom composition.

  • Have you ever seen an Oxyuranus scutellatus in the wild?

  • The Oxyuranus scutellatus is one of the most venomous snakes found in Australia.

  • When camping in northern Australia, it is important to be aware of the Oxyuranus scutellatus and its habitat.

  • If bitten by an Oxyuranus scutellatus, seek immediate medical help due to its highly lethal venom.

Synonyms

taipan
vsOxyuranus scutellatus
  • Australian
1 9.9

A large very poisonous snake found in northeast Australia

is the specific species within that broader group
Oxyuranus
vsOxyuranus scutellatus
  • Specialized
9.9

A very venomous snake from Australia and New Guinea, like the taipan

is one single species within that genus

Surface Forms

Oxyuranus scutellatus singular
Oxyuranus scutellatuses plural

Morphology

Oxyuranus + scutellatus

This is a Linnaean binomial: knowing 'Oxyuranus' (a genus of highly venomous Australian snakes) allows a learner to infer the phrase names a kind of that snake, so the general category (a snake species) is transparent. However, the specific identity 'coastal taipan' and particular traits are not derivable from the Latin species epithet 'scutellatus' (which lacks a dictionary meaning for learners), so the full, specific meaning is unpredictable.

Etymology

Oxyuranus scutellatus comes from old Greek and Latin words that make a simple picture. Oxyuranus may mean 'sharp tail' and scutellatus means 'small shield' or 'little plate', so the name helps you picture the snake's sharp look and hard scales, which fits this large, dangerous coastal taipan.