spectacled cobra
spectacled cobra Lexical Profile
• noun
A highly venomous elapid snake native to the Indian subcontinent, characterized by an expansible hood bearing a prominent, U-shaped mark resembling a pair of spectacles.
"The spectacled cobra is deeply revered in Indian mythology and plays a significant role in the region's agricultural ecosystem by controlling rodent populations."
Word Nuance & Usage
Often referred to synonymously as the Indian cobra, it is easily distinguished from the monocled cobra by the U-shaped, spectacle-like pattern on its hood rather than a single ring.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The common name derives from the distinctive spectacle-like markings on the dorsal side of its hood. 'Cobra' originates from the Portuguese phrase 'cobra de capelo' (snake with a hood), tracing back to the Latin 'colubra' (snake).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.