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asp

asp

4 8.8
A venomous snake often linked with ancient Egypt and Cleopatra
  • noun
  • /æsp/
  • Literature
translation icon : asp
  • Egyptian asps are quite poisonous.

Examples

  • Now, can't you imagine yourself as Cleopatra talking to an asp?

  • But they shall feel the gall of asps within them!

  • The asp is known for its lethal venom and is often depicted in ancient Egyptian art.

  • In the story of Cleopatra, the asp symbolizes death and is famously associated with her demise.

  • The bite of an asp can cause serious harm due to its potent toxins.

Synonyms

Egyptian cobra
vsasp
  • South African
1 7.5

A large venomous African snake often shown on Pharaohs' crowns

is the snake especially associated with ancient Egyptian royal imagery
Naja haje
vsasp
  • Specialized
9.9

A large venomous cobra from Africa often shown on ancient Egyptian crowns

is the venomous snake tied specifically to ancient Egypt and Cleopatra stories
aspis
vsasp
  • Archaic
9.9

A venomous snake like a horned viper found in southern Europe and North Africa

is the specific Egypt-linked venomous snake rather than a broad historical name
asp viper
vsasp
  • UK
9.9

A small snake in southern Europe whose bite is dangerous

is the Egypt-associated venomous snake rather than a small European viper
Vipera aspis
vsasp
  • Specialized
9.9

A venomous snake from southern Europe that is smaller than the common adder

is the Egypt-linked venomous snake, not the small European viper species
Indian cobra
vsasp
  • Indian
6.1

A dangerous snake from India with a hood that can kill people

is the Egypt-linked snake rather than an Asian hooded species
Naja hannah
vsasp
  • Specialized
9.9

A very large venomous snake called the king cobra that lives in Southeast Asia

is the Egypt-associated venomous snake rather than a large Asian species
Aspidelaps
vsasp
  • Specialized
9.9

A venomous African snake with bright red and black bands that lives in dry savanna

is the Egypt-linked venomous snake rather than a different African genus
Aspidelaps lubricus
vsasp
  • Specialized
9.9

A small snake from southern Africa that lives in trees and has black and orange bands

is the Egypt-associated venomous snake rather than this small banded species
spitting snake
vsasp
  • South African
8.4

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

is the Egypt-linked venomous snake rather than a spitting defensive species

Compounds

9.9

A small snake in southern Europe whose bite is dangerous

A very poisonous snake with a small horn above each eye from northern Africa and southwestern Asia

Surface Forms

asp singular
asps plural

Etymology

Asp comes from the old Greek word aspis, which meant 'shield' and was also the name for a venomous snake; the snake was a royal symbol in Egypt, so an asp today is the venomous snake often linked with ancient Egypt.