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Definition of shield-nosed cobra
shield-nosed cobra
Plural:shield-nosed cobras
shield-nosed cobra Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
10
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
A small, highly venomous elapid snake belonging to the genus Aspidelaps (particularly Aspidelaps scutatus), native to the sandy regions and deserts of southern Africa, characterized by a large, hardened scale on its snout used for burrowing.
Example
"During a nighttime survey in the Kalahari Desert, the herpetologist documented a shield-nosed cobra emerging from the loose sand."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from its distinctive physical feature—an enlarged, modified rostral (nose) scale shaped like a shield, which it uses for excavating loose sand—and 'cobra', derived from Portuguese 'cobra de capelo' (snake with a hood).
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Shield-nosed cobra. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/shield-nosed cobra