WATER COBRA
\wˈɔːtə kˈə͡ʊbɹə], \wˈɔːtə kˈəʊbɹə], \w_ˈɔː_t_ə k_ˈəʊ_b_ɹ_ə]\
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A genus of poisonous snakes of the subfamily Elapinae of the family ELAPIDAE. There are six recognized species, all inhabiting Africa except the Asiatic (Indian) cobra, Naja naja. Some species "spit" their venom into the eyes of their "enemies". So-called spitting cobras show a high degree of accuracy in aiming for the eyes. The ringhals, the most highly specialized of the spitting cobras, is limited to southern Africa. Its spray destroys eye tissue and can cause blindness; its bite can cause death. (Moore: Poisonous Snakes of the World, 1980, p80)
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Word of the day
Snake's-head
- Guinea-hen flower; -- so called in England because its spotted petals resemble the scales of a snake's head.