coral snake

American  

noun

1. any of numerous venomous elapid snakes, found chiefly in the New World tropics, as Micrurus fulvius eastern coral snake, of the southeastern U.S., often brilliantly marked with bands of red, yellow, and black.

2. any of several other snakes, as of the genus Calliophis, of Asia, having red markings.

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coral snake British  

noun

1. any venomous elapid snake of the genus Micrurus and related genera, of tropical and subtropical America, marked with red, black, yellow, and white transverse bands

2. any of various other brightly coloured elapid snakes of Africa and SE Asia

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Etymology

Origin of coral snake

First recorded in 1750–50

Example Sentences

The research focused on elapids – one of the two families of venomous snakes – such as coral snakes, mambas, cobras, taipans and kraits.

From BBC

This case sheds light on the coral snake interactions with prey species.

From Science Daily

Lying on her back, she stares straight past Adam’s adjacent head and into the viewer’s eyes, wholly indifferent to the deadly red-and-black striped coral snake slithering nearby.

From Los Angeles Times

However, the company sells dozens of injectable items, including I.V. antibiotics, anti-seizure drugs used in brain surgery and even an antidote to coral snake venom.

From New York Times

A bite from a coral snake can lead to paralysis and death.

From Literature