asp
asp Lexical Profile
asp Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A small, highly venomous snake native to the Mediterranean region and the Nile Valley, historically and most commonly associated with the Egyptian cobra.
"According to popular historical legend, Queen Cleopatra famously took her own life by allowing an asp to bite her."
Any of several small venomous vipers found in continental Europe, particularly the European asp viper (Vipera aspis), which inhabits dry, rocky habitats.
"The biologist documented several species of reptiles during her expedition to the Alps, including the elusive European asp."
• Rhymes for asp
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old French 'aspe', derived from Latin 'aspis' and Greek 'aspis', meaning 'shield' or 'viper' (likely referring to the shield-like hood of a cobra).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.