Egyptian cobra

noun

1. a highly venomous cobra, Naja haje, inhabiting northern and central Africa and Jordan, growing to a length of 8 feet (2.4 meters) or more.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Egyptian cobra¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

The snake is a young Egyptian cobra, coiled into a tight bundle.

From Science Magazine

A third victim, a boy, was struck by a snake charmer’s Egyptian cobra.

From Science Magazine

After the Egyptian cobra, which was part of Mr. Ghafouri’s act, sank its fangs into his right wrist, he tied a cloth around his arm to stanch the flow of blood.

From New York Times

The piece is obscurely titled “Uraeus,” referencing the upright form of the Egyptian cobra associated with the serpent goddess Wadjet and used as a symbol of power on the crowns of the pharaohs.

From New York Times

In fact, that “serpent of old Nile” — Shakespeare’s phrase — probably used Egyptian cobra venom, possibly secreted in a hollow bodkin that she carried wound in her hair.

From Washington Post