spitting cobra
noun
: any of several cobras (such as Naja nigricollis and Hemachatus haemachatus of Africa) that in defense typically eject their venom toward the victim without striking
Examples of spitting cobra in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Shockingly, each of these spitting cobra lineages also exhibit similar molecular adaptations in their venom to produce toxins that target mammalian sensory neurons, specifically geared to induce pain.
—
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
14 Feb. 2024
Instead, the escape artist turned out to be a type of spitting cobra native to Africa.
—
Washington Post,
2 July 2021
Take spitting cobras, which bite and spray painful, blinding venom at the eyes and face of an assailant, thanks to pores in their fangs.
—
National Geographic,
7 Jan. 2020
Bruce Young from the University of Massachusetts is antagonising a spitting cobra.
—
Ed Yong,
Discover Magazine,
14 May 2010
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
14 Feb. 2024
Instead, the escape artist turned out to be a type of spitting cobra native to Africa.
—
Washington Post,
2 July 2021
Take spitting cobras, which bite and spray painful, blinding venom at the eyes and face of an assailant, thanks to pores in their fangs.
—
National Geographic,
7 Jan. 2020
Bruce Young from the University of Massachusetts is antagonising a spitting cobra.
—
Ed Yong,
Discover Magazine,
14 May 2010
Cite this Entry
“Spitting cobra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spitting%20cobra. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
