elapid snake
- noun
- /ˈɛləpɪd sneɪk/
- Specialized
- The elapid snake is known for its potent venom.
Examples
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The elapid snake family includes well-known members like cobras, mambas, and coral snakes.
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Scientists are studying the venom of the elapid snake for potential medical uses.
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An elapid snake can deliver a dangerous bite with its fixed fangs.
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Many elapid snakes inhabit tropical regions.
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The elapid snake is known for its potent venom and is often found in tropical regions.
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Many species of elapid snakes, including cobras and kraits, are feared for their bite.
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An elapid snake can inject venom through its fixed fangs, making it a dangerous predator.
Synonyms
A long animal without legs covered in scales that sometimes has poison
A large snake with scales that often appears in myths and stories
A venomous snake like a cobra or coral snake that lives in warm regions
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun phrase is compositionally predictable: 'elapid' denotes a type of venomous snake and combined with 'snake' simply specifies a snake of the Elapidae family. This taxonomic modifier + noun pattern is transparent and readily derivable by a learner who knows both constituent words.
Etymology
Elapid snake comes from an old scientific name 'Elaps' that early scientists used for this group. These snakes have fixed fangs—a small built-in tube that pushes out 'venom'—so today elapid snake is the name for the family of venomous snakes like cobras and mambas.