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Glite Dictionary
black-necked cobra

black-necked cobra

8.6
A large African snake with a black neck that can spit venom into eyes and cause blindness
  • noun
  • /blæk-nɛkt ˈkoʊbrə/
  • South African
translation icon : cobra de cuello negro
  • The black-necked cobra is feared for its ability to spit venom at the eyes of predators.

Examples

  • Wildlife experts warn that the black-necked cobra should not be approached, despite its tendency to avoid biting.

  • Visitors to the safari are often warned about the black-necked cobra, renowned for its venomous spit that can lead to blindness.

  • Photographers often use protective gear when filming the black-necked cobra in its natural habitat.

  • The black-necked cobra is known for its unique appearance.

  • Many people fear the black-necked cobra due to its venom.

  • The black-necked cobra has a remarkable ability to spit venom with deadly accuracy at its attackers.

  • Conservationists study the black-necked cobra to understand its behavior and the effects of its venom on potential threats.

Synonyms

spitting cobra
vsblack-necked cobra
  • South African
1 6.4

A dangerous African snake that defends itself by spitting venom into the eyes

is the specific African species with rare biting and venom that can blind
Naja nigricollis
vsblack-necked cobra
  • Specialized
9.9

A dangerous African cobra that spits venom into eyes and can cause blindness

is the common English name for the same species
spitting snake
vsblack-necked cobra
  • South African
8.4

A venomous southern African snake that sprays venom at a threat, often to hit the eyes

is the particular aggressive African species that rarely bites and ejects venom causing blindness

Surface Forms

black-necked cobra singular
black-necked cobras plural

Morphology

black-necked + cobra

The meaning 'a cobra with a black neck' is directly compositional: 'black' (color) + 'neck' (body part) + '-ed' (having) modifies 'cobra'. This color+body-part adjective pattern is productive and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words would readily infer the intended meaning.

Etymology

Black-necked cobra comes from the snake's clear black band on its neck, so people named it for how it looks. That's why the name refers to this dangerous species that can 'spit' venom at the eyes.