cobra
UK[ˈkəʊ.brə]US[ˈkoʊ.brə]
n
A highly venomous snake, often with a hood that it spreads when threatened, found in parts of Asia and Africa.
Etymology
The word 'cobra' entered English in the 17th century from Portuguese, where 'cobra (de capello)' literally meant 'snake (of the hood)'. The Portuguese term was a shortening of the Latin 'colubra', the feminine form of 'coluber' (a snake). This Latin root can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European base kel- meaning 'to cover, conceal', a fitting origin for a creature that often hides. The modern English meaning is a specific narrowing from the general Latin term for 'snake' to refer exclusively to the venomous, hooded species of the family Elapidae, particularly the Indian cobra.
Analysis
The word 'cobra' is a loanword from Portuguese, which itself borrowed it from the Latin phrase 'colubra' (snake). Its ultimate origin is the Latin word 'coluber' meaning 'snake'.
Examples
The cobra raised its head and spread its iconic hood.
A mongoose is known for its ability to fight and kill a cobra.
The snake charmer played his flute in front of the swaying cobra.