Definition

Noun: - A species of venomous snake: Naja nigricollis is the scientific name for a specific type of cobra, commonly known as the black-necked spitting cobra. It is characterized by its aggressive nature, wide distribution across Africa, and its primary defense mechanism of spitting venom, which it can aim with accuracy.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The biologist studied the behavior of Naja nigricollis in its natural habitat.
  • A key identifying feature of Naja nigricollis is its ability to spit venom at a threat's eyes.
  • While Naja nigricollis rarely delivers a biting strike, its venomous spit is dangerous.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic or scientific writing: The binomial name is always italicized. The genus name () is capitalized, while the species epithet () is not.
  • The study confirmed the specimen as Naja nigricollis through genetic analysis.

Variants and Related Words

• Black-necked spitting cobra (n): The common English name for .
  • We gave the black-necked spitting cobra a wide berth on the trail.
• Spitting cobra (n): A general term for cobras of the genus that can spit venom, which includes .
  • Several species of spitting cobra are found in Africa and Asia.

Synonyms

• Black-necked cobra: An alternative common name.
• Spitting cobra: A broader categorical synonym.

Noun

1. aggressive cobra widely distributed in Africa; rarely bites but spits venom that may cause blindness