elapid

[ el-uh-pid ]

noun

1. any of numerous cosmopolitan snakes of the family Elapidae, having permanently erect fangs in the front of the upper jaw and including the New World coral snakes, the cobras, and most Australian snakes.

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the Elapidae.

elapid

/ ˈɛləpɪd /

noun

1. any venomous snake of the mostly tropical family Elapidae, having fixed poison fangs at the front of the upper jaw and including the cobras, coral snakes, and mambas

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the Elapidae

Word History and Origins

Origin of elapid¹

1880–85; < New Latin Elapidae, equivalent to Elap- (stem of Elaps name of genus ≪ Greek éllops a sea-fish) + -idae -id ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of elapid¹

C19: from New Latin Elapidae, from Medieval Greek elaps, elops a fish, sea serpent; perhaps related to Greek lepis scale

Example Sentences

Elaps, a genus of poisonous American snakes, the type of the family Elapid, to which belongs the cobra de capello.

From Project Gutenberg

Male combat in American colubrid snakes with remarks on combat in other colubrid and elapid snakes.

From Project Gutenberg