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elapid

noun
el·​a·​pid | \ ˈe-lÉ™-pÉ™d How to pronounce elapid (audio) \

Definition of elapid

: any of a family (Elapidae) of venomous snakes (such as the cobras and coral snakes) with hollow fangs

Examples of elapid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Called elapids, these include the New World coral snakes, African mambas, African and Asian cobras, Asian kraits, tropical ocean sea snakes and the highly venomous snakes that make their home in Australia. — Eli Greenbaum, Smithsonian, "When Science Means Getting Cobra Venom Spat Into Your Eye," 19 Dec. 2017

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

First Known Use of elapid

1885, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for elapid

New Latin Elap-, Elaps, genus of snakes, from Middle Greek, a fish, alteration of Greek elops

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More from Merriam-Webster on elapid

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about elapid

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