python

¹

[ pahy-thon, -thuhn ]

noun

1. any of several Old World boa constrictors of the subfamily Pythoninae, often growing to a length of more than 20 feet (6 meters): the Indian python, Python molurus, is endangered.

Python

²

[ pahy-thon, -thuhn ]

noun

, Classical Mythology.

1. a large dragon who guarded the chasm at Delphi from which prophetic vapors emerged. He was finally killed by Apollo, who established his oracle on the site.

python

³

[ pahy-thon, -thuhn ]

noun

1. a spirit or demon.
2. a person who is possessed by a spirit and prophesies by its aid.

Python

⁴

[ pahy-thon ]

Digital Technology, Trademark.

1. an open-source, high-level programming language known for its readability and support for multiple programming styles, and, due to its many libraries, a large range of applications.

python

¹

/ paɪˈθɒnɪk; ˈpaɪθən /

noun

1. any large nonvenomous snake of the family Pythonidae of Africa, S Asia, and Australia, such as Python reticulatus ( reticulated python ). They can reach a length of more than 20 feet and kill their prey by constriction

Python

²

/ ˈpaɪθən /

noun

1. Greek myth a dragon, killed by Apollo at Delphi

Derived Forms

• pythonic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of python¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from New Latin; special use of Python ¹

Origin of python²

First recorded in 1390–1400; Middle English, from Latin Pȳthōn, from Greek Pȳ́thōn; Pythian ( def ); perhaps akin to Typhôn, a part-serpent monster

Origin of python³

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Late Greek pȳ́thōn; relation to Python ¹ unclear

Origin of python⁴

Coined in 1989 by Python's creator, Dutch programmer Guido van Rossum (born 1956), after the comedy troupe Monty Python

Word History and Origins

Origin of python¹

C16: New Latin, after Python

Example Sentences

A pet python has been found after it managed to escape into an art gallery in Aberdeenshire.

From BBC

Gonzalez, 71, broke an international treaty by illegally importing bags made from caimans and pythons.

From BBC

All of the hides were from caiman and pythons bred in captivity.

From Seattle Times

As researchers write, commercial python farming could provide a “flexible and efficient” form of sustainable protein, while producing relatively little waste, especially when compared to conventional livestock.

From Salon

Was it a deadly viper or a harmless python?

From Science Magazine