boa constrictor

American  

noun

1. a snake, Constrictor (Boa ) constrictor, of tropical America, noted for its large size and its ability to suffocate a prey by coiling around it.

2. any large snake of the boa family, as the python or anaconda.

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boa constrictor British  

noun

1. a very large snake, Constrictor constrictor , of tropical America and the Caribbean, that kills its prey by constriction: family Boidae (boas)

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Etymology

Origin of boa constrictor

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

"Each test is specific to a different snake species and was designed to detect DNA from the Burmese python, northern African rock python, rainbow boa and boa constrictor, ensuring no cross-detection among species."

From Science Daily • Nov. 22, 2024

I’m planning on bringing my boa constrictor to the Lakers game next week.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2023

“They are truly like a boa constrictor, and they do not beat themselves.”

From Seattle Times • Oct. 7, 2023

A boa constrictor spotted by police in the middle of a busy road in Birmingham gave officers an "off-the-scale" shock, the West Midlands force has said.

From BBC • Jun. 18, 2023

For starters, Edna is going to be someone’s buddy again, which is like pairing a baby mouse with a boa constrictor.

From "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" by Meg Medina