Definition

Noun: 1. A small, venomous snake of southern Europe, especially the European asp viper (Vipera aspis). This snake is similar to but generally smaller than the common European adder. 2. The Egyptian cobra (Naja haje), a venomous snake used as a symbol of royalty and divine authority by the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt. It was associated with their power over life and death.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (European snake):
  • Hikers in the hills of Italy should be cautious of the asp.
  • The bite of the European asp can be dangerous to humans.
• Noun (Egyptian snake):
  • The asp was a potent symbol on the crown of the Pharaoh.
  • Cleopatra is famously said to have died from the bite of an asp.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Literary Reference: The word "asp" is often used in historical and literary contexts, particularly in reference to ancient Egypt and the death of Cleopatra.
  • The playwright depicted the queen clutching the fatal asp to her breast.

Variants and Related Words

• Aspic (noun): An archaic or poetic term for an asp, especially the European viper.
• Asp viper (noun): The full common name for the European species .

Synonyms

• Viper (for the European species): A general term for venomous snakes of the family Viperidae.
• Egyptian cobra (for the African species): The more precise modern name for the snake associated with the Pharaohs.
• Adder (a related, often larger, European viper).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• (To die) by the asp / an asp's bite: A phrase evoking the classical story of Cleopatra's suicide.
  • In the tragedy, the queen chooses to die by the asp rather than be captured.

Noun

1. cobra used by the Pharaohs as a symbol of their power over life and death
2. of southern Europe; similar to but smaller than the adder