boa constrictor

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.

boa constrictor

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of boa constrictor¹

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

We usually can find saltwater-crocodile nesting sites, boa constrictors, scorpions and tarantulas.

From Washington Post

It was used to help pull a boa constrictor from pipes on the underside of a bus.

From Popular-Science

Firefighters in Montgomery County battled two house fires early Tuesday, including one in which two dogs were rescued, a large boa constrictor was kept safe in a cage and a missing cat was found after a search.

From Washington Post

Dorian had a unique talent for striking glamorous and artistic attitudes while clutching a live boa constrictor.

From The Daily Beast

Mack, according to reports, used his winnings to fill his home with Rottweilers, tarantulas, and a boa constrictor.

From The Daily Beast

He was as successful as he was brave, and he had the great good luck to meet a tiger, a young hippopotamus, and a boa constrictor.

From Project Gutenberg

Anaconda, an-a-kon′da, n. a large South American water-snake of the Python family, closely related to the boa-constrictor.

From Project Gutenberg

Coiled around him like a large boa-constrictor, reaching to his very throat,——But I sicken as I write!

From Project Gutenberg

Whenever one of the savages made a jab at Mr. Gibney, Mr. Gibney gave the king a boa-constrictor squeeze, and the monarch howled.

From Project Gutenberg

He seemed to be carried on the back of a galloping boa constrictor with a couple of others streaking away under his armpits.

From Project Gutenberg