Definition

1. Noun:
   • A species of venomous snake: The Egyptian cobra is a specific type of cobra (Naja haje) native to parts of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
   • A historical and cultural symbol: This snake was used in ancient Egyptian iconography, particularly by the pharaohs, as a symbol of sovereignty and control over life and death.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The Egyptian cobra is a highly venomous snake found in North Africa.
  • In ancient art, the pharaoh was often depicted with the Egyptian cobra, or uraeus, on his crown.

Advanced Usage

• "Uraeus": This is the specific term for the stylized, upright form of an Egyptian cobra used as a symbol of royalty and divine authority in ancient Egypt.
  • The uraeus on the king's forehead represented the protective goddess Wadjet.

Variants and Related Words

• Asp: An archaic or literary term sometimes used to refer to the Egyptian cobra, famously associated with Cleopatra.
• Naja haje: The scientific (Latin) name for the species.

Synonyms

• Cobra: A general term for venomous snakes of the genus , which includes the Egyptian cobra.
• Venomous snake: A broader descriptive term.

Related Phrases

• Phrasal Verbs: Not applicable for this noun.

Related Idioms

• None directly associated: There are no common English idioms that specifically feature the term "Egyptian cobra." The cultural symbolism is primarily historical.

Noun

1. cobra used by the Pharaohs as a symbol of their power over life and death