Definition

Noun: 1. A venomous snake of the family Elapidae: "Old World coral snake" refers to any of several species of brightly banded, venomous snakes belonging to the family Elapidae, native to regions in Asia, Africa, and Australia. These snakes are distinct from the New World coral snakes found in the Americas.

Usage

• The term is used as a common name for a group of elapid snakes sharing similar coloration (often red, black, and yellow/white bands) and geographical origin.
• It is typically used in zoological, herpetological, or general descriptive contexts.
• Example: "While hiking in Southeast Asia, the guide warned us to watch out for an Old World coral snake."

Examples

• "The Old World coral snake is known for its striking blue and red coloration."
• "Many Old World coral snakes possess potent neurotoxic venom."
• "Herpetologists study the differences in venom composition between Old World coral snakes and their American counterparts."

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in contrast to "New World coral snake" to specify evolutionary lineage and geographic distribution.
• In taxonomic or scientific discussions, the common name "Old World coral snake" may be specified further by genus (e.g., , , ).

Variants and Related Words

• Coral snake (general): A broader term encompassing both Old World and New World species.
• Elapid: The biological family (Elapidae) to which these snakes belong, which also includes cobras, mambas, and taipans.
• New World coral snake: Venomous coral snakes native to the Americas, belonging to the genera and .

Synonyms

• Asian coral snake
• African coral snake (for species native to Africa)
• Venomous elapid (broader, less specific)

Notes on Different Meanings

• The term has a specific zoological meaning and is not used idiomatically or with metaphorical meanings in standard English. Its meaning is fixed to the described group of reptiles.

Noun

1. any of various venomous elapid snakes of Asia and Africa and Australia