Main Entry: an·a·con·da

Pronunciation: \ˌa-nə-ˈkän-də\

Function: noun

Etymology: probably modification of Sinhalese henakandayā, a slender green snake

Date: 1768

: a large semiaquatic constricting snake (Eunectes murinus) of the boa family of tropical South America that may reach a length of 30 feet (9.1 meters); broadly : any of the large constricting snakes

[anaconda illustration]