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Definition of sumatran spitting cobra
sumatran spitting cobra
Plural:Sumatran spitting cobras
sumatran spitting cobra Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
9
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
A species of highly venomous elapid snake native to Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, distinguished by its ability to project neurotoxic venom toward the eyes of a perceived threat.
Example
"During our jungle trek in Borneo, the wildlife guide warned us to maintain a safe distance if we encountered a Sumatran spitting cobra."
• Nearby Words
sumatran orangutan
sumatran pit viper
sumatran rhinoceros
sumatran spitting cobra
summer snowflake
sun
sun bear
Word Origin & Etymology
The name derives from its native habitat, the Indonesian island of Sumatra, and its defensive behavior of projecting venom from its fangs. 'Cobra' comes from Portuguese 'cobra de capello', meaning 'snake with a hood'.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sumatran spitting cobra. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 15, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sumatran spitting cobra