anaconda

noun

an·a·con·da | \ˌa-nə-ˈkän-də

Definition of anaconda

(Entry 1 of 2)

: 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

geographical name

An·a·con·da | \ˌa-nə-ˈkän-də

Definition of Anaconda (Entry 2 of 2)

city in southwestern Montana that grew rapidly following the building of a copper-smelting plant in 1884 and expanded to contain one of the largest nonferrous production plants in the world population 9298

Important Anaconda Facts Example Sentences Learn More about anaconda

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Important Anaconda Facts

There are two species of South American snakes that constrict their prey. The heavily built giant anaconda is usually about 16 ft (5 m) long, but can be longer than 24 ft (7.5 m), rivaling the largest pythons in length. The yellow anaconda is much smaller. Typically dark green with alternating oval black spots, the giant anaconda lives along tropical rivers east of the Andes and in Trinidad. It kills at night by lying in wait in water; it constricts prey as large as young pigs or caimans and occasionally forages in trees for birds. It may bear 75 live young at a time.

Examples of anaconda in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Tell you what: Turns out I get eaten by that anaconda, there’s a ten-dollar bill in an envelope with your name on it. — Sloane Crosley, The Cut, "The Doctor Is a Woman," 26 Mar. 2018 One of the organization’s ongoing projects involves checking anacondas to determine if there is a correlation between gold mining in the region and mercury accumulation in apex predators. — Brent Crane, Outside Online, "Looking for a Novel Vacation? Discover a New Species," 24 May 2018 The three columns of protesters undulated toward the cathedral on Managua's south side like giant anacondas of blue-and-white, the colors of the Nicaraguan national flag that nearly all the demonstrators waved. — Glenn Garvin, miamiherald, "Tens of thousands gather for anti-government demonstration in Nicaragua | Miami Herald," 28 Apr. 2018 Paleontologist Jonathan Bloch shows the size difference between vertebrae belonging to the giant snake Titanoboa cerrejonensis, left, and an anaconda, right. — Erin Blakemore, Washington Post, "Prehistoric snake was as long as a school bus," 6 Mar. 2018 But the craziest thing was this giant anaconda that our wildlife guys caught. — Clay Skipper, GQ, "Survivor's Jeff Probst on the One Travel Item That Will Get You Out of Any Jam," 27 Feb. 2018 Houston rapper Paul Wall had a custom Nolan Ryan replica made that features anaconda skin on the letters and logo. — USA TODAY, "Rainbow resurgence: Bright Astros jerseys now a fan favorite," 27 Oct. 2017 The Leon County Sheriff's Office posted video on Facebook on Thursday of Detective Emily Shaw placing a 9-foot yellow anaconda into a bag, ActionNewsJax reported. — Amanda Winkle, ajc, "WATCH: Florida detective captures 9-foot snake," 14 Oct. 2017 The Tallahassee Democrat is reporting that a Leon County sheriff’s deputy single handedly captured a 9-foot yellow anaconda. — Sun-Sentinel.com, "Watch: Sheriff's deputy captures 9-foot anaconda with her bare hands," 12 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'anaconda.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.