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Python sebae

Python sebae

9.5
A very large African snake that kills animals by squeezing them
  • noun
  • Specialized
: pitón sebae
  • The Python sebae can reach lengths of over six meters, making it one of the world's largest snakes.

Examples

  • Despite its size, the Python sebae is known for its powerful constricting abilities when subduing prey.

  • Wildlife photographers spent months tracking the elusive Python sebae in the grasslands of southern Africa.

  • The Python sebae can grow over 20 feet long.

  • Have you ever seen a Python sebae in the wild?

  • The Python sebae is a remarkable species, known for its impressive size and striking patterns.

  • In Africa, the Python sebae often inhabits rocky areas and prey on various small mammals.

  • Conservationists are studying the habitat of the Python sebae to ensure its survival amidst habitat loss.

Synonyms

rock python
vsPython sebae
  • South African
1 7.1

A very large African snake that kills prey by squeezing it

is the specific Latin name for the same species rather than a general common name
rock snake
vsPython sebae
  • South African
1 7.6

A very large snake from Africa that can grow over six meters long

is the scientific Latin name used for that same species

Surface Forms

Python sebae singular
Python sebaes plural

Morphology

Python + sebae

The element 'Python' clearly signals the general referent (a type of snake), so a B1 learner who knows 'python' can infer this is a kind of python. However, 'sebae' is a Latin species epithet with no transparent English meaning, so the specific identity and attributes of the species are not derivable from the parts; the binomial naming convention gives partial help but not full predictability.

Etymology

Python sebae comes from two parts: the genus Python, named after a big mythical snake, and the species name sebae, which honors a collector called 'Seba'. That's why the name refers to a very large African snake.