New World coral snake
- noun
- /nuː wɜrld ˈkɔrəl sneɪk/
- US
:
serpiente de coral del Nuevo Mundo
- The New World coral snake can be identified by its distinct red, yellow, and black banding pattern.
Examples
-
Unlike their mimics, the New World coral snake is highly venomous and should not be handled.
-
Hikers in Central America are advised to be cautious of the New World coral snake.
-
The New World coral snake is known for its vibrant colors.
-
Have you ever seen a New World coral snake in the wild?
-
Hikers in Central America are advised to be cautious of the New World coral snake.
-
The New World coral snake can be identified by its distinct red, yellow, and black banding pattern.
-
Unlike their mimics, the New World coral snake is highly venomous and should not be handled.
Synonyms
2
7.2
A small venomous snake with red, yellow, and black bands that has a deadly bite
A brightly colored snake with poison in its bite that lives in Central and South America
A group of venomous coral snakes with red, yellow, and black bands found in the Americas
A group of small venomous coral snakes that live in North America with bright ringed colors
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is largely compositional: 'coral snake' points to a snake associated with coral-like (bright banded) coloration and 'New World' functions as a geographic label indicating the Americas. However, recognizing 'New World' as the conventional name for the Americas and that 'coral snake' is a specific species name requires some background/world-knowledge beyond literal word meanings, so a B1 learner would only partly be able to derive the exact referent.
Etymology
The name New World coral snake comes from two parts: New World for the Americas and coral because its bright red and yellow bands look like red coral. That's why the name means 'a brightly colored, venomous snake from the Americas'.