Definition

1. Noun:
   • A brightly colored, venomous, but typically nonaggressive snake native to southeastern Asia and the Malay Peninsula. Kraits are elapid snakes, meaning they have fixed front fangs, and their venom is a potent neurotoxin.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The banded krait is a nocturnal species often found near water.
  • Despite its deadly venom, the krait is known for its relatively docile nature.
  • A krait bite requires immediate medical attention.

Advanced Usage

• "Common krait": A specific species () found in the Indian subcontinent, known for its involvement in many snakebite incidents.
  • The common krait is more active at night.

Variants and Related Words

• Bungarus: The scientific genus name for kraits.
• Elapid: The family of snakes (Elapidae) to which kraits belong, which also includes cobras and coral snakes.

Synonyms

• None commonly used: "Krait" is the standard common name for snakes of the genus . Related terms include "venomous snake" or "elapid," but these are not direct synonyms.

Related Phrases and Collocations

• Banded krait: Refers to , a species with distinct black and yellow bands.
• Sea krait: Refers to snakes of the genus , which are aquatic and related to true kraits. (Note: This is a related but distinct group).
  • Sea kraits come ashore to lay their eggs.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning is the zoological one described above. The word is used almost exclusively in this context.

Noun

1. brightly colored venomous but nonaggressive snake of southeastern Asia and Malay peninsula