spitting cobra

noun

Definition of spitting cobra

: 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

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Fire ants, spitting cobras and even some species of birds are known to disable their prey with harmful sprays. — Douglas Quenqua, New York Times, "Toads Eat Beetles. Sometimes, Beetles Make Them Regret Their Meal Choice.," 6 Feb. 2018 Among them was the African spitting cobra, Spracklandus. — Benjamin Jones, Smithsonian, "A Few Bad Scientists Are Threatening to Topple Taxonomy," 7 Sep. 2017

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

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spitting distance

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The first known use of spitting cobra was in 1910

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spitting cobra

noun

Medical Definition of spitting cobra

: black-necked cobra also : an African cobra (Hemachatus hemachatus) that in defense typically ejects its venom toward the victim without striking

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